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5 Essential Things for Coworking Success

Published Friday, September 6, 2019

You’ve arrived at MatchBOX for your first official day of coworking - what’s on your desk to make your day the most productive possible?

Drawing a blank? No problem, we can help!

Working outside of a traditional office brings a whole new dynamic to how you work, so being prepared is key.

1. An Inspiration Notebook

It’s likely that you already bring a computer to the studio to get your work done, but a separate notebook for developing and documenting new ideas could be life-changing. You never want to forget about a great idea because you didn’t write it down. 

Surrounding yourself with other innovative professionals almost guarantees you will generate a thought worth jotting down. 

2. Headphones (and a great work playlist)

Nothing gets you productive like a good playlist. Although you may enjoy opportunities to interact, don’t leave out the option to take time for yourself to focus. 

In an article by Dr. Masha Godkin, the researcher notes “music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memories.” 

It’s important to remember that it’s a shared space and there may distractions. It’s okay to acknowledge that you sometimes need time for yourself, even in a shared space. 

3. A Piece of Home

Coworking places may be a place to work away from home, but it’s important to make yourself comfortable. It could be anything from your coffee cup to your favorite reading glasses. Don’t make yourself feel uncomfortable just because you are working in a public space. It’s your space, make yourself at home! 

4. A Work-Adjacent Book

Find a few minutes out of your day to take a break. If you’re like most of us, you may need a few minutes to step back from your work during the day. 

When you need a break, reading is a great idea to help clear your mind. Grabbing a book to motivate or educate you for the work ahead is a must-do. 

5. An Open Mind

You may be a bit surprised during your first trip to a coworking studio. These spaces can be a completely new experience. People are working on many different projects. Members may come up to you at random times just to chat about ideas.

The flow of people can feel different for those who have never worked in an open atmosphere, so it is important to remember to keep an open mind. Change is good, and a coworking studio can be just the change your business or side hustle needs. 

Ready to experience MatchBOX for yourself? Set up a time for a tour and see the space.

Written by Amanda McCormick

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Fellow members:

Revisioning the concept of traditional work environments and moving to a collaborative space has been an amazing opportunity for our organization to remain engaged with our constituents and expand our connections in the community.

—Kitty Campbell

"MatchBOX is helping my company (One Fact) survive and prosper. The affordable space is only the start. It is the connection with the other co-coworkers that is proving helpful. MatchBOX gets a share of credit for any success One Fact sees in 2017!”

—Cortland Starrett

MatchBOX is where I met some of my newest best friends, Amanda, Emily, Matt, Ed, and sometimes Ryan. It's conveniently located near Kathy's candies and a bunch of places to get drinks during lunch. Could use a couple more Pokestops though.

<3 Austin Toombs

MatchBOX has provided an incredible opportunity for getting my work done, collaborating with others (at least 4 projects so far), hosting meetings for organizations I'm part of, and meeting other independent contractors in the area. The feel and ambience of the place just adds to the fabulous workplace -- not to mention the coffee and snacks! I have friends around the country who are jealous of our MatchBox space.

—Johanna Merritt Wu

My Enactus Purdue team got a tour of this studio recently. The environment is outstandingly innovative! Everyone there is incredibly friendly and hospitable and passionate about what they are doing. What a great place to see opportunity in the city of Lafayette!

—Acaimie Catron (from Facebook)

There is such a positive, creative vibe to this space. I participated in Lafayette Writers' Studio events and classes at MatchBOX fall, 2016. It is easy to access, convenient to downtown Lafayette and parking is not difficult in its area of town.

—Sandra B. (from Yelp)