The Everything Coworking podcast shares trends and how-tos for coworking operators and anyone following this exploding trend. Jamie owned coworking spaces in Ch...
368. Coworking Design with Purpose: Insights from Dorothy Rogers-Bullis and Dan Bullis of Saratoga CoWorks
In this episode of the Everything Coworking Podcast, I’m joined by Dorothy Rogers-Bullis and Dan Bullis, founders of Saratoga CoWorks. Known for their community-focused approach, Dorothy and Dan are experts in creating coworking spaces that blend functional design with personal touches. Together, they discuss their philosophy on coworking design, the power of local connections, and how they’ve used their own design backgrounds to cultivate an inviting environment at Saratoga CoWorks. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Dorothy and Dan’s background in business interiors led to their unique approach to coworking space design. Key design elements that set Saratoga CoWorks apart, including flexible layouts and personal touches. Strategies for balancing aesthetics and functionality to create a welcoming yet practical environment. Insights into how they build relationships with members, making coworking spaces feel like a true community. Practical tips on using design to cater to the evolving needs of coworking members. Whether you're designing your own coworking space or looking for ways to enhance community-building, this episode with Dorothy and Dan offers valuable insights into building coworking environments that support both form and function. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Dorothy's LinkedIn profile Daniel's LinkedIn profile Elisabeth LaPierre on LinkedIn Saratoga CoWorks website drb Business Interiors Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube
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367. Amanda Lewan, CEO of Bamboo, on Building Sustainable and Hyperlocal Coworking Communities
In this episode, Jamie chats with Amanda Lewan, CEO and co-founder of Bamboo, about her journey from a grassroots coworking concept in Detroit to leading three thriving locations across Michigan. Amanda shares invaluable lessons on building sustainable, hyperlocal coworking communities, and how community support, private offices, and strategic expansion can drive success. We talked about: How Amanda built Bamboo from a small pop-up to three high-demand locations, starting with $5,000 and a passion for community Insights on navigating the coworking needs of different markets and why hyperlocal adaptability matters The importance of small private offices for stabilizing revenue and meeting community needs Bamboo’s approach to forming a launch committee to integrate authentically into new markets Leveraging community-driven initiatives and strategic property ownership to create a sustainable coworking model Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Amanda's LinkedIn profile Bamboo website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube
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366. Test Your Sales Funnel - It Might Not Be Working How You Think It Is
In this solo episode, Jamie breaks down the critical elements of sales funnel automation and member onboarding, drawing from personal experiences outside the coworking world. Jamie explores the power of creating a frictionless sales funnel and dives deep into how a strategic onboarding process can drive member retention. Here’s what she covers: The role of automation in streamlining your sales funnel to convert leads without missing a beat How to use text messaging and email automation effectively to engage potential members Why first impressions during the onboarding process are key to creating a lasting member relationship Simple strategies to gather feedback from new members and improve your space’s experience Practical tips for avoiding the common pitfalls of automation, from broken links to inappropriate messaging tone Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube
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365. Inside Groundwork Coworking: Sarah Athanas on 10 Years of Building Community in a Small Market
In this episode, I’m excited to chat with Sarah Athanas, Co-Founder of Groundwork Coworking in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Sarah's story of starting and growing a coworking space in a smaller market is inspiring, full of persistence, creativity, and community building. She shares how her experience living in Argentina planted the seed for Groundwork and how she navigated the challenges of building a business from scratch in a city that needed it. Here’s what we dive into: How Sarah’s experience at an Argentine coworking space inspired her to bring the concept to New Bedford The unique journey of partnering with the city and using grant funding to get Groundwork off the ground What it’s like to grow a coworking business in a smaller market and how patience and persistence paid off Insights on expanding to a second location and the importance of finding the right partners The evolving role of nonprofits and the offshore wind industry as key members of Groundwork Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Sarah's LinkedIn profile Groundwork website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube
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364. Building Broker Relationships and Sales Strategies with Evan Preslopsky, Senior Sales Manager at Venture X
In this episode, I chat with Evan Preslopsky, Senior Sales Manager at Venture X and Office Evolution, about his unique path from fitness to coworking sales. Evan shares how his background in fitness and construction sales has influenced his approach to building broker relationships and scaling sales across multiple coworking locations. What you’ll learn in this episode: Evan’s journey from the fitness industry into coworking and sales How to cultivate strong broker relationships to close larger coworking deals The role fitness plays in maintaining discipline and focus in the sales process Key strategies for managing multiple coworking locations efficiently Tips on automating and tracking sales processes to support coworking growth Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Evan's LinkedIn profile Venture X - Charlotte – The Refinery website Everything Coworking Featured Resources: Masterclass: 3 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Opening a Coworking Space Coworking Startup School Community Manager University Follow Us on YouTube
The Everything Coworking podcast shares trends and how-tos for coworking operators and anyone following this exploding trend. Jamie owned coworking spaces in Chicago and Palo Alto under the brand Enerspace Coworking. She was the Executive Director of the Global Workspace Association for 5 years. Since 2018, she's been helping coworking spaces start and run profitable coworking spaces.