Today we return with a new interview with managers , this time, we have Ruth Palacio, manager and co-founder of the Coworkidea space. His collaborative work space stands as one of the references of Barcelona. Do you want to know more about the management of this center?
What role does the figure of the coworking manager play?
A basic role, almost indispensable. In a coworking everything happens through the manager or the manager, it depends on us how the space is maintained and breathed. That is why it is essential to know what environment you want to create and the energy that has to flow to achieve it.
How does a coworking create an adequate ecosystem to obtain a faithful coworking community?
Always having as a priority the coworker and his well-being. You have to adapt as much as possible to your needs, being flexible, trying to create synergies with other coworkers and generating activities of your interest on a regular basis.
Has the profile of users who choose to work in collaborative workspaces changed?
Well, in general I would say not much. Yes it is true that there is now much more digital nomad or many more relocated workers (LIM) than a couple of years ago. And that this year the big startups and many companies have set themselves in coworkings as a work space in which to settle. But it is also true that many demand another type of space, of considerable dimensions, where we no longer enter as players the majority of coworkings of the Spanish panorama.
Let's talk about Coworkidea, what is the added value of this center? How have you managed to differentiate yourself from the competition?
Apart from our unbeatable location, in the center of Barcelona, we have worked hard to strengthen ties "with and between" our coworkers. Many of our coworkers become customers or collaborators of others. But in addition, a relationship that is not only professional is also being created. So I would say that something that sets us apart from the competition is our community and the links established in it. We propose activities, mostly recreational, to share not only work with each other, but also fun with other experiences.
Another thing that coworkers also value a lot is light. We have a lot of natural light throughout the space, a facade like ours, with large windows is difficult to find in Barcelona, and it is something that the head appreciates when you have been working for several hours.
You would tell us some mistakes that you have learned during your years of space management to help other managers not comment on them in their new career.
Many have not had if not, we would not be alive hahaha!
Our mistake in starting this coworking adventure back in 2011 was not to invest in marketing or good SEO.
You have to listen to the coworkers and share with them the coworking issues they can comment on. It is always good to evaluate proposals and know their points of view.
Finally, how does a center adapt to the changes that are taking place in the coworking sector? (Entrance of big companies like WeWork ...)
Well, for now we have not thought about adapting. We try to follow our path and, for now, we do not see these mega-spaces as a very direct competition. If it were later, something will have to be done, but a coworking alone does not have much room for maneuver before companies of that size.
Thank you Ruth for sharing your experience as a manager with us, we hope to see you again soon here.
