June 6, 2018 - No Comments!

Our Top 5 Gastown Pubs

Gastown is considered one of Vancouver’s trendiest and liveliest spots. With its wide range of restaurants, shops, and pubs, Gastown has earned its reputation as the heart of Vancouver.

L’Atelier Coworking is located in the middle of Gastown, and is surrounded by the areas’ best spots. As members, we have tried almost every pub on the block, and as such have compiled a list of our favourite Gastown pub spots!

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May 24, 2018 - No Comments!

Tips For Successful Freelancing

Being a freelancer gives you the freedom to control your professional life. Setting your own hours, working from your preferred location, and being your own boss are just some of the pros of freelancing. However, being a freelancer is also TOUGH, and as much as you might enjoy the control, sometimes it can get quite draining. Below are some tips on how to freelance like a boss:

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May 21, 2018 - No Comments!

How to Build Your Network at a Co-working Space

When joining a co-working space, most people love the idea of networking, and getting to know the people in the space. However, when walking into a new environment, some might feel anxious and hesitant, especially when it comes to connecting with different individuals. Networking is an essential part of business and personal development, how do you go about it in a co-working space? Below are some tips:

 

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May 6, 2018 - No Comments!

Why A Co-working Space?

People often ask, why a co-working space? Why spend money on a desk, when we can simply stay in a coffee shop, buy a cappuccino, and use up some free wifi? The answer is simple, co-working spaces will simply maximize your efficiency, and here’s why:

 

1) The Environment:

Co-working spaces create an “office” environment. This environment has been shown to increase the productivity, focus, and confidence of 68% of entrepreneurs. Co-working will also increase your confidence levels, making you more likely to take yourself, and your business, seriously.

 

2) The Health Factor:

70% of entrepreneurs have reported feeling healthier in a co-working space than they did in a non co-working environment. The structure of hours and organization of tasks creates a healthy and more productive routine for entrepreneurs, hence ensuring they use up their day wisely and leave time for “out of work” activities. The book “The Power of Habit” talks about how focusing on one positive habit is often the catalyst that pushes you to stick to more positive habits. We found that members of co-working spaces who have set work routines are more likely to also have a set workout schedule and stick to better eating habits.

 

3) Networking and interactions:

91% of entrepreneurs stated they have had an increase in networking connections after using a co-working space. Working in a co-working space means you are surrounded by expert help, and a team of consultants from different fields that will happily offer you advice when needed. Moreover, these interactions provide a feeling of community among like-minded individuals, and hence decreases the sense of loneliness cafe goers or home stayers experience.

 

4) Higher Income:

50% of entrepreneurs using a co-working space reported a higher income than what they previously used to make. Part of it is due to setting higher standards and your work being taken more seriously by your clients and even yourself. Yes, working in a co-working space is more expensive than a cafe, but the added income will not only cover the cost, but surpass it. Also, with the flexible plans around, you are bound to find something that suits your needs. In addition to that, practically speaking, free coffees, fridges, and microwaves will save up on the store bought food you’ll have to buy in a cafe.

 

5) Emotional Support:

Break out of your comfort zone. Surround yourself with like-minded people, who most likely share the same struggles that you do. That will allow you to push yourself through moments of self doubt that everyone is bound to experience.  Avoid the lonely seat in the coffee shop, and energize your day by surrounding yourself with people.

 

The trick is, finding the right co-working space for you, and hey, we might be biased, but L’Atelier Co-working ticks all the right boxes.

 

March 11, 2018 - No Comments!

The Importance of Team Building within a Coworking Space

At L’Atelier, we make sure to implement a sense of  community within our members. It’s vital for us that our members feel a sense of belonging and support, as such, we make sure to include team building activities, outings, and gatherings in our monthly agenda.

Why Team Building?

  1. Individual and Collective Business Performance: Research has shown team building activities actually boost overall business performance. After a team building activity is completed, the members end up understanding each others strengths, weaknesses, and interests better, which ultimately leads to a more efficient performance. In the case of a co-working space, team building activities can build valuable work relationships between members and make them more likely to reach out to each other for help and support in their individual businesses.
  2. Conflict Resolution: Socializing outside the office space leads to better conflict resolution within the workplace. In fact, problem solving skills are enhanced in certain types of team building activities (such as Escape Rooms), hence aiding in strategic and analytical conflict resolution skills. At L’Atelier, we have members from various personal, cultural, and business backgrounds, hence finding a common ground for conflict resolution is vital to us.  
  3. Communication and Networking: The upside to working in a coworking space is having different people from different businesses working under the same roof. However, with the absence of any team building activities, members might not take a personal initiative in getting to know each other. Initiating communication in a non-formal setting will open doors for both personal and professional networking, allowing members to make use of each others' talents and services.
  4. Improved Communication with Management: It’s important for members of the management to participate in team building activities. Not only does that foster an honest relationship with our members, but it also aids in the development of a sense of loyalty to our company and space.
  5. Breaking the Barrier: Identifying as one team, versus a cluster of teams that just happen to work in the same space, will bridge the gap between different people and industries. Nothing beats our morning chat sessions, our weekend get-togethers, and our after work gatherings.