trial and error. learning from a coworking space failure
DESCRIPTION
An effective knowledge base is not formed just by success stories. Those are perfect for the hype, but not for not committing avoidable mistakes. For this target, knowing what went bad in a coworking might help to avoid some risks. Here's the story of what i've learnt from the failure of 22A|22, a supercool coworking space i've cofounded back in 2009 and shut in late 2012.TRANSCRIPT
TRIAL AND ERRORtips from 3 years of coworking... went bad
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
22A|22was a coworking and
design gallery that has been active in Florence
from 2009 to 2012lunedì 11 novembre 2013
we hosted workshops...
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
exhibitions...
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
temporary stores...
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
parties...
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
photoshootings...
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
concerts...
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
cinema shows...
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
but mainly it wasan alive coworking.
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
despite all this,we had to shut.
What happened, then?
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
Well,we’ve done mistakes:
Here’s what i’ve learnt from errors committed before
starting...lunedì 11 novembre 2013
At first,i just neededa studio
Start with a clear projectdon’ just stumble upon it
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
But couldn’tafford it, justthen seekedfor partners
Team is crucial. Choose wisely a motivated, diversebut tight group to start with
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
We begundreaming big,too big
Dream big, start small.Or at least lean. Or go big
only if you are almost sure you can afford to do that.
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
...while planning
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
We fell in lovewith a placebut it wasa mess
Plan accuratelyyour initial expenses.
Handle restorations with care, it’s hard to foresee
how much it will really costlunedì 11 novembre 2013
And it wastoo expensiveto mantain
Don’t spend all the money with initial expenses. It will
take time to reach your project’s full potential
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
Enthusiasmweighted farmore than itscost
Enthusiasm, passion, boldness are great things.But give them robust roots
to grow efficientlylunedì 11 novembre 2013
...while managing
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
The projectwas split in 2uncoherentparts
Give an understandable strong, solid, firm identity
to your project, and let coworking power it
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
We’ve chosento become tooself-referentialand closed
Your placewon’t remain the coolest place in town for a long
time. If you’ll play on exclusiveness, you’ll lose.
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
Definitely toomany cluelesshipster parties
People joining a partywant to drink and have fun, not necessarily to use your desks. Beware the hipsters
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
...while taking careof the community.
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
We left people alone to solve their problems
People have to feel comfortable and cared.
You can’t ask coworkers to bear problems and
inefficiencies.lunedì 11 novembre 2013
The space changed from shared to partitioned
Struggle for keepingyour community open and
dynamic. 2-3 empty desks are better than a blocked,
closed communitylunedì 11 novembre 2013
We didn’tinvolve peoplein the activities
Help coworkersto feel part of your project.
Let them help, propose, participate, share, live it.
Your project is their project.lunedì 11 novembre 2013
Nonetheless, there’sa lot i’ve learnt
and a lot i’ve got:
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
friends,mates,
experience,
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
and a new project( with many new mistakes to do! )
lunedì 11 novembre 2013
thanks!
Mattia Sullinicowo Firenze 22A|22cowo Firenze COMBO
lunedì 11 novembre 2013