The concise response would be that you should do it before you begin operations.
During the initial phase of the coworking movement, it was typical for those managing these shared spaces to rely on a variety of assorted platforms and systems. There’s an appealing inclination to piece together various free tools to begin operations. However, this approach is far from perfect and soon turns into an arduous and aggravating task to oversee. Coworking management software in California like Flex Engine helps streamline various administrative and onboarding duties, freeing you up to concentrate on your strengths and the key factors that maintain membership longevity, such as fostering a dynamic coworking environment and community.
Before Considering the Use of Sales CRM or Accounting Software for Your Coworking Venture, Reconsider.
While these applications excel in their respective domains, they aren’t tailored for the nuances of managing coworking spaces. They lack features for booking spaces, member interaction, monitoring how the space is utilized, managing personalized membership schemes, or handling postal services. To effectively oversee a dynamic workspace, you’ll require a platform specifically created for that purpose. It’s also advisable to establish such a system before the day-to-day tasks and a bustling membership become overwhelming.
Barbara Sprenger, the founder of Satellite Workplaces and Flex Engine, points out, “At this stage, it’s overly complex for individuals to try to comprehend every aspect of what comprehensive coworking management software encompasses. It’s something that should be implemented right from the start.”
If you’re undecided about the necessity of coworking management software in California or struggling to select the right one, consider the following advice from Sprenger. These tips are the result of more than 13 years of experience in operating eco-friendly coworking spaces and workspace businesses.
Your Coworking Software Must Have the Capability to Expand and Adapt as Your Business Progresses.
Even though your beginning may be modest, the shared workspace sector is expanding rapidly. Ensure your future success by selecting office-sharing management software that effortlessly grows alongside your business.
It should be straightforward for you to introduce new products and services in response to evolving demands and requirements. The design of the space should allow members to sign up, book meeting rooms, acquire day passes, and modify their payment details independently. Implement automation in the management of your workspace wherever practical to ensure its long-term viability. Ensure that your website allows for the direct purchase of products, facilitating the greatest degree of independence for users.
The Coworking Software You Use for Managing Your Shared Workspace Must Offer Adaptability.
Your program ought to simplify the process of incorporating additional membership levels, introducing new items, modifying prices and what’s available, devising spur-of-the-moment schemes, and bringing in fresh venues, among other tasks. Moreover, it should be effortless to carry out these actions. It’s important to have the capability to craft offerings that align with the demands of your market whenever necessary.
Begin Monitoring Financial Activities Immediately.
Even if your group is currently small, it’s essential to implement a system and management software that can record various activities, such as booking rooms, managing mailbox subscriptions, handling regular payments, applying single fees, monitoring printing services, and tracking subscription usage.
Sprenger advises, “If not, you’ll accumulate a chaotic situation that will eventually require your attention to tidy up.” She continues, “Chances are, your interest in coworking stems from your enjoyment of interacting with others. Therefore, it’s best not to overload yourself with numerous administrative tasks that you can manage through automation.”
Your Coworking Management Software Ought to Have the Capability to Process Billing Automatically.
No matter the size of your shared office space, manually invoicing members every month is something you’d rather avoid. If you don’t use dependable software designed for coworking spaces, you’ll end up juggling spreadsheets and tracking different billing dates for members on different subscription plans.
Flex Engine provides a feature that calculates membership fees on a pro-rata basis when a member begins or ends their subscription, no matter the joining date. It also facilitates the convenience of issuing invoices to all members on the first day of each month, although you can adjust the setting according to your preference.
Avoid Being Dazzled by Attractive but Potentially Superficial Things.
The genuine quality of your coworking software lies in its detailed features and ease of use. In your search for the right coworking management software in California, avoid getting distracted by superficially attractive aspects. Instead, look closely at the actual capabilities of the software. Choose a solution that excels in performing fundamental tasks, such as establishing and monitoring various plans, managing regular billing cycles, and incorporating individual charges as needed.
Search for the Coworking Management Software That Suits Your Needs.
When exploring coworking management software, be aware that your organizational setup and processes are likely to evolve as your business expands. Opt for a flexible software system that can adapt alongside your growth. Consider the effort required to introduce new pricing plans and the user-friendliness for your members. Assess whether the software can scale up in line with your expansion. Think about the scenario when you’re managing your second, third, or fourth location. Planning ensures that scaling up in the future will be a smoother process.
Can you incorporate your software into your existing brand identity? How effective is its white-label capability? You have invested considerable effort in establishing your brand and its space. It’s important to ensure that the software you choose seamlessly aligns with what you have already created.
Don’t Depend on AI Too Much
The industry is continuously evolving. Does your software supplier accommodate your unique requirements? How responsive and effective is their customer support? Are you interacting with actual individuals, or does it seem as if you’ve made an online software purchase with uncertain chances of email replies? Opt for software providers that have a grasp of coworking, and comprehend your individual needs and the nuances of your particular environment.
Start Your Coworking Management Software on the Right Foot
Begin on a positive note by adopting coworking software at the earliest opportunity. The ideal software can simplify your processes, increase your membership, and enhance the efficiency and automation of managing a space. This allows you to concentrate on expanding your community and enterprise.
Our squad launched its inaugural collaborative workspace. Faced with the absence of suitable coworking management software for our venue, we took the initiative to create a bespoke solution. Currently, we manage seven collaborative workspaces throughout California. With firsthand knowledge of what is required for the successful operation of such spaces. We are perpetually enhancing Flex Engine to cater to the evolving demands of workspace managers around the globe. Get in touch for a demonstration and discover how Flex Engine can streamline your coworking space operations.
