If 2009 is going to be as austere as I think it is, then a trend developing in Asheville could really take hold next year. At least two folks have contacted me about co-working spaces that they’re trying to get the word out about.
Co-working spaces around the world like JustCo (共同工作空間) have lots of benefits. A lot of businesses claim that they cultivate community chemistry, nurture healthy business growth and can even increase employee well-being.
Has anyone checked out Locomotivity, or Lone Bird Studios? Have you used a co-working space before? What’s it like? If you have and can report back, email me or leave a comment. Here’s more info on the two places that have contacted me…
Loyal reader Lance Ball at Locomotivity.com, a co-working space on Wilson Alley in Asheville, says this:
“… It’d be great if you could give a shout out for a coworking space I am trying to get started. In down economic times, what’s better than commiserating with your friends and colleagues while using a nice high-speed, secure wifi connection?
Right now, I’m mostly trying to spread the word and get people who might be interested in a space like this to let me know via the surveys and such here: http://locomotivity.com/get-involved/
Happy Holidays!
Lance Ball
I’ve also heard from the folks at Lonebird Studios on Weaverville Highway. Here’s their explanation:
What is Jelly?
Jelly is casual co-working. We invite people to work from our home for the day. We provide chairs and sofas, wireless internet, and interesting people to talk to, collaborate with, and bounce ideas off of. You bring a laptop (or whatever you need to get work done) and a friendly disposition.Why do you do this?
Jelly started in NYC in February of 2006 when two roommates realized that they loved working from home, but they missed the creative brainstorming, sharing, and camaraderie of a traditional office. (Office politics, not so much.) So they started inviting friends to come work from their home one day a week. They soon found that working in close proximity to new and interesting people every couple weeks resulted in new ideas and interesting conversations. Emboldened by their early success, they made it a more regular thing. Jelly was born.Who can come to Jelly?
Anyone! We see a lot of designers, developers, and internet types, but we’ve also had musicians, cooks, sound designers, tea sommeliers, product designers, photographers, writers, and more. Some of us are entrepreneurs or freelancers. Others work in an office most of the time, but work at Jelly for fresh ideas and a change of pace. No matter what you do or what you create, you’re welcome to come to Jelly and share your talent and learn from others.
Lone Bird Studio ?99 Weaverville Hwy., Asheville, 28804
?Call for information or directions ?828-216-1451
8 Comments
Unless you’re a government worker or part of the small cadre of IT businesses in town, most I meet work for themselves in a spare room at home.
This is a great opportunity all the way around. I will go on record as being willing to rent a desk. I know a couple others that would as well.
I do this every time I go into ATL to meet my co-workers for a face-to-face meeting. This is a great list of places we can use here, thanks!
Lance, you’re welcome. I wish you the best, and when you get fully up and running, let me know. I’d love to come by and get some pix, and chat.
Lesley, the co-working thing sounds right up your alley!
Firelady, thanks for the link and your response. I think you’re right — it’s all about networking, and sharing ideas.
Yes, I’m slowly moving out of holiday depression mode. Slowly… Thanks for asking.
Thanks so much for posting info about Locomotivity. I’m hoping to get this off the ground in another month or so, and every little bit counts. Any of you other loyal readers out there who are interested, please check out the site and take the survey!
Happy New Year!
This is the hands-down coolest idea since sliced bread! I can’t wait to check it out.
Hey Ash- Co-working sites are an extraordinary opportunity for AVL entrepreneurs. Not only is this a cost-effective choice for start-ups and nano corporations, the resultant increase in networking can substantially increase the rate of innovation.
Here’s a link to Neil Takemoto’s website (this is a really great resource):
http://www.cooltownstudios.com/category/workplaces/
Are you recovering from you Christmas?