If you’re reading this right now, it probably means that you or someone you know, follow, friend, etc. checked out the coworking session at BarCamp LA 7 (aka: @barcampla, @bcla. Funny how we’ve started including Twitter names in our introductions – but I digress…)
Welcome to the wonderful world of coworking!There are tons of resources out there, so this is just a quickie overview of some of the best places to start.
What’s this “coworking” thing?
According to Wikipedia: “Coworking is an emerging trend for a new pattern for working. Typically, work-at-home professionals or independent contractors or people who travel frequently end up working in an isolated way. Coworking is the social gathering of a group of people, who are still working independently, but who share values and who are interested in the synergy that can happen from working with talented people in the same place.“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coworking
Resources to get you started:
- Coworking wiki (ground zero – massive resource):http://coworking.pbworks.com
- Coworking blog: www.blog.coworking.info
- Jelly wiki (casual coworking groups across the globe):http://wiki.workatjelly.com
- Tips for starting a coworking group/space:
Groups where you can join the conversation:
- Google group (most established group):http://groups.google.com/group/coworking
- LinkedIn group: http: www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=33807
- Twitter Twibe (just started, so be at the bleeding edge and JOIN…please. All the cool kids will be doing it.): www.twibes.com/coworking
LA area people & places:
- JellyLA: www.meetup.com/jellyla
- Santa Monica: Funnel Mill, 930 Broadway (Cafe with Jellies every other Friday, 3-6p – unless we get booted)
- Silverlake: see below
- WHERE (1519 Griffith Park Blvd., Silverlake) New coworking space currently offering pre-opening specials. They’re hosting a Jelly this Friday 4/8, 3-6pm. www.meetmixmogul.com
- Blankspaces (5405 Wilshire, Mid-Wilshire area) Large coworking space with daily, monthly or yearly packages. www.blankspaces.com
My personal favorite places & ways to cowork:
- I practically live at The Cow’s End in Venice (come after 11am & you’ll probably see me there). Got a good group of regulars; we check in and are able to help one another on occasion.
- My old flat: huge house, big common area + adjoining office, huge whiteboard for silly games to break the monotony. Highly recommend getting a group together and working out of someone’s home.
- Anyplace with great ambience. I tend to like cafes that feel like they were decorated by your crazy pack-rat great aunt. But that’s me. I’m curious…
What about you? What spaces, places, people or amenities float your boat?
