tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51830110552474403502024-03-13T19:31:41.265-07:00Colleagues on Tap co-workingSpace on Tap connects homeworkers
with useful places, people and resources to help them to develop themselves and their businesses whilst working from home.
Through this blog you can find out more about co-working and get involved in Space on Tap's unique Colleagues on Tap co-working days.
Go to www.spaceontap.com for our Perfect Places Directory and homeworking resourcesSpace on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-12346303574859846372012-04-23T22:34:00.001-07:002012-04-23T22:34:11.320-07:00Getting the co-working message out!<br />
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A great day was had at the North East Expo exhibition last week. Business people from all over the North East region congregated at the Racecourse in Gosforth to exhibit their businesses, or to attend a series of business development seminars and see what was on offer. Networking, marketing, selling, relationship building; it all happened that day. <div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThH5xnfT2z0/T5Y4BwnWPJI/AAAAAAAAAVU/MW4vgfWyx3o/s1600/photo+(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThH5xnfT2z0/T5Y4BwnWPJI/AAAAAAAAAVU/MW4vgfWyx3o/s320/photo+(10).jpg" width="320" /></a>This was also the day I unveiled our new promotional banner and literature for Colleagues on Tap to the North East, and the feedback was fabulous! </div>
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The benefits of co-working are hard to argue with - virtually everyone that approached the stand on the day enthused about the concept and recognised how or why they should get involved. That's great news for the region's emerging co-working spaces, and of course for the homeworkers themselves - the greater the variety of businesses that attend Colleagues on Tap the better, ultimately, the co-working experience will be.</div>
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Colleagues on Tap provides people the opportunity to 'dip their toe in the water' to experience a new way of working, but critically this can complement working from home rather than replacing it. Providing opportunities for people to get out of the home office for a change, have a change of scene, meet new people, in the way hundreds did at the Expo, but with the added benefit of being able to get their work done too, is definitely the way forward. Of course some people do find that once they've experienced co-working, or working away from home, it really suits them and then start to look for workspace that will provide them the co-working experience. These spaces, in the North East region at least, are pretty scarce, but I'm working on it! </div>
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We've now teamed up with a couple of great businesses in Newcastle area that are evolving as dedicated co-working spaces (<a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/spaces/view/42/Co-working-coffee-WiFi-10day-Mon-Sat/" target="_blank">Newcastle Business Village</a> and <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/spaces/view/197/Desk-space-for-hire-for-hot-desking-or-coworking/" target="_blank">The Beacon</a>), and through our newly launched Colleagues on Tap Associate Scheme we're hoping to encourage people who have space sat empty to consider co-working as a viable use of their space. The Associate Scheme enables venues to run their own Colleagues on Tap co-working days to connect them with the local small business and home-based business marketplace, and to test out whether the development of a full-time space would be viable. Demand for Colleagues on Tap days is rising as people discover the benefits of co-working as an antedote to working at home, so the more venues that take on this opportunity the better - so it really has to be win win.</div>
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For details of planned Colleagues on Tap co-working days go to the <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/homeworking/#colleagues_on_tap" target="_blank">Co-working Calendar</a></div>
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<br /></div>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-432914893675905482012-01-05T07:01:00.000-08:002012-01-05T07:01:10.677-08:00New Year, New Co-working Calendar!Happy New Year from Space on Tap! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TA59tBqKFEM/TVPQQ7fGp_I/AAAAAAAAAH4/wvrY6hTpB7I/s1600/Colleaques+On+Tap+rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TA59tBqKFEM/TVPQQ7fGp_I/AAAAAAAAAH4/wvrY6hTpB7I/s1600/Colleaques+On+Tap+rgb.jpg" /></a></div>We're really looking forward to creating pop up offices in some amazing venues this year, and because we've had so much demand we're planning to work with some of our venue partners who will hold their own Colleagues on Tap events this year through our brand new associate programme, so you can now have Colleagues on Tap more often if that's your preference.<br />
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Space on Tap's focus this year is on finding spaces that will stimulate your creativity (<a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/co-working/#events" target="_blank">check out our first two arts venues in Newcastle and Stockton)</a>, as well as giving you the opportunity to connect with other homeworkers, share business knowledge and skills with co-workers and of course get a well earned change of scene away from the home office! As usual food will feature highly in our planned events! We've been trying out some new recipes over the Winter months so we're looking forward to sharing those with you in due course!<br />
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Go to our <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/co-working/#events" target="_blank">co-working calendar</a> to check out forthcoming events, or to register your interest in attending future Colleagues on Tap days if there's nothing featured that's close to you as yet - the calendar will be filling up over the next few months so there's bound to be something coming to a place near you soon :)Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-13611974713088413702011-10-17T01:53:00.000-07:002011-10-17T01:53:54.696-07:00Co-working: Nothing ventured, nothing gained! Guest blogger with the Society of VAsI'm delighted this month to have been asked to be a Guest blogger for the Society of Virtual Assistants. <br />
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<a href="http://www.societyofvirtualassistants.co.uk/2011/10/15/co-working-nothing-ventured-nothing-gained/">CLICK HERE to read my blog post Co-working: Nothing venture, nothing gained! </a>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-37672135703730387062011-10-15T23:56:00.000-07:002011-10-15T23:56:38.121-07:00Durham co-working day announced for November<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjPl9pBwpbM/Tpp_dU5tJ_I/AAAAAAAAAP4/aW6KHNDKSgw/s1600/Colleaques+On+Tap+-+icon+rgb+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjPl9pBwpbM/Tpp_dU5tJ_I/AAAAAAAAAP4/aW6KHNDKSgw/s200/Colleaques+On+Tap+-+icon+rgb+small.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>In response to popular demand we've managed to squeeze in another Co-working day for homeworkers in Durham before we batten down the hatches for the Winter break!<br />
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Come along to join us on TUESDAY 22ND NOVEMBER.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq-TNSc4rtM/Tpp_Un_-z6I/AAAAAAAAAPg/P3aM6k5DASE/s1600/Low+Res+Durham+Office+Services+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq-TNSc4rtM/Tpp_Un_-z6I/AAAAAAAAAPg/P3aM6k5DASE/s200/Low+Res+Durham+Office+Services+exterior.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
This will be a really great day. We'll be hosted by Durham Office Services, a new business centre with a range of space for hire and rent, located on Belmont Business Park just off the A690 in Durham. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejEpX86AVvI/Tpp_Y1qQUZI/AAAAAAAAAPo/SlymKvnnVKE/s1600/Low+Res+Durham+Office+Services+conference+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejEpX86AVvI/Tpp_Y1qQUZI/AAAAAAAAAPo/SlymKvnnVKE/s200/Low+Res+Durham+Office+Services+conference+room.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Join us for a change of scene from your home office for the day. For only £20 + vat (members' price) you can connect with other home business owners in the Durham area, but get your work done at the same time (most of our past co-workers have said they get at least, if not more, work done at Colleagues on Tap than they do at home!). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Poaj4oroB8/Tpp_a8fmMvI/AAAAAAAAAPw/gH1JESP-B5I/s1600/Low+Res+Durham+Office+Services+Reception+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Poaj4oroB8/Tpp_a8fmMvI/AAAAAAAAAPw/gH1JESP-B5I/s200/Low+Res+Durham+Office+Services+Reception+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We'll also spoil you with a lovely lunch and cupcakes, and you'll have the opportunity to join your co-workers for our usual SpoT chat after lunch when we'll be sharing experiences relating to a topical business issue (so far we've covered a whole range of areas of interest, from social media to DIY website development).<br />
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Find out more about co-working <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/co-working/">here</a>, and if you'd like to book a place now <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/news/view/135/">CLICK HERE</a>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-39870710339496934682011-10-02T02:51:00.000-07:002011-10-02T02:51:31.776-07:00Homeworkers chat about making money from social media at co-working day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/spaces/view/71/">Shepherds Dene</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Wednesday 29th September witnessed our long-awaited Colleagues on Tap co-working day at Shepherds Dene Retreat in Ridings Mill, Northumberland. <br />
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The beautiful sunny day defied the late September date for the event, temperatures reaching 28C during the day! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The windows of our 'pop-up office' for the day were opened, allowing us to take in the full impact of the breathtaking views while we worked, and to savour the crisp, clean air of the Tyne Valley. <br />
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Lunch was tasty, homemade fayre served in the dining room, enjoyed while getting acquainted with fellow co-workers. As usual an eclectic and interesting mix of people. A web designer, 2 accountants, a writer, an IT consultant, a well-being through movement coach, a marketing consultant, a virtual PA ('the admin doctor'!), a strategic adviser and the day's hosts from Space on Tap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4UJ4_VyPFU/Toge4seNbfI/AAAAAAAAAOM/8GBiGw0WFHs/s1600/Shepherds+Dene+coworking+in+the+garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4UJ4_VyPFU/Toge4seNbfI/AAAAAAAAAOM/8GBiGw0WFHs/s320/Shepherds+Dene+coworking+in+the+garden.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Our usual post-lunch SpoT chat took place on the lawn, again the warm weather and wonderful views providing an inspiring back-drop for the topic for the day, chosen by those who attended: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>Making Money from Social Media</b></span>.<br />
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Co-workers exchanged views and experiences of the range of social media they've used, and the indirect and direct benefits they'd achieved from it. Here's a quick synopsis:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>Social media used by the group - ultimately it really is down to personal choice and preference, but it was generally agreed that the broader your range of tools, the broader your audience will become and the greater the impact will be. </b></span><br />
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<ul><li>The usual suspects (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)</li>
<li>Video/image media (YouTube, Vimeo, Flickr)</li>
<li>Alternative chat facilities (Ping and Myspace)</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b>Impacts of using social media: expected and experienced</b></span><br />
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<ul><li>Improved search engine rankings</li>
<li>Profile - business and personal</li>
<li>New customers (usually through indirect conversation, not hard selling)</li>
<li>New suppliers and associates (through effective use of keywords to find people with specialist skills)</li>
<li>New employee/job through a 'friend of a friend'</li>
<li>Expanded networks without attending events (although it was generally agreed that meeting people face to face can reinforce online relationships</li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Every member of the group is using social media in some form or another, and to varying degrees. It was acknowledged that to have a real impact it needs a time investment, and it's difficult to commit that without being certain of the rewards. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7J2XrIkXqg/TVPL1J202DI/AAAAAAAAAHg/ZriRRZ5w3Iw/s1600/Colleaques+On+Tap+-+icon+rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7J2XrIkXqg/TVPL1J202DI/AAAAAAAAAHg/ZriRRZ5w3Iw/s200/Colleaques+On+Tap+-+icon+rgb.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Co-workers generally agreed that effective use of social media involved conveying a personality (for you or your business) and being consistent, and ultimately agreed that you can certainly make money from social media. Whether the rewards justify or balance the input is open to question, but ultimately isn't that the case with all types of marketing? You never know ...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">© </span>Copyright Space on Tap Oct 2011Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-50345331400937330432011-09-24T23:33:00.000-07:002011-09-24T23:33:07.788-07:00Co-workers share ideas about how to 'train your customers'!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hpmg6g1WqAE/Tn7J2FL124I/AAAAAAAAAOE/ilZ_J-fqEoI/s1600/jane+hogan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hpmg6g1WqAE/Tn7J2FL124I/AAAAAAAAAOE/ilZ_J-fqEoI/s1600/jane+hogan.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twentyeight-management.com/">TwentyEight</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jane Hogan of <a href="http://www.twentyeight-management.com/">twentyeight</a>, one of our regular co-workers, led the Colleagues on Tap SpoT chat at our 'mini' co-working day in Durham on 20th September.<br />
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Co-workers running a wide variety of home-based businesses from virtual PAs to IT and accountancy services shared their experiences of refining their target markets and marketing messages to maximise the impact of their sales activity. The group benefited from Jane's insight into how to really hone your offer to make sure it stimulates interest; the key message was, in brief, that it's better to be really specific and appeal to a few selected prospects than be broad and general and appeal to no one!<br />
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Through Jane's Value Innovations activity, twentyeight is becoming recognised as the source of a whole host of 'little business tools' that can help you to think again about your business to make sure what you're offering is really of value to your customers (or how to train customers better to want what you have to offer!). <br />
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Here are two tools Jane shared during the SpoT chat:<br />
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<u>VALUE MATRIX</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>A matrix that enables you to map out where in the buying cycle your product or service fits (or could fit), and what added value it can bring in that context. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atwq9BkyVgE/Tn7Gp-m3iZI/AAAAAAAAAN8/NGdBe3KfIKU/s1600/value+matrix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atwq9BkyVgE/Tn7Gp-m3iZI/AAAAAAAAAN8/NGdBe3KfIKU/s320/value+matrix.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jane explained that in reality there are only 6 ways that a product or service can add value, and it's important that your prospective customer understands where your product or service fits (so it's pretty important to have worked that out yourself!). Jane suggests the 6 'utility levers' are<br />
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1. Customer Productivity<br />
2. Simplicity<br />
3. Convenience<br />
4. Risk<br />
5. Fun/Image<br />
6. Social Responsibility<br />
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<u>START WITH A BLANK PIECE OF PAPER</u><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fsic9H9SVk/Tn7H1f1UocI/AAAAAAAAAOA/3tQ3vwDalLc/s1600/Value+innovations+idea+take+away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fsic9H9SVk/Tn7H1f1UocI/AAAAAAAAAOA/3tQ3vwDalLc/s320/Value+innovations+idea+take+away.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once you're running a business change becomes more and more difficult - if only you'd known what you do now before you started - you might have done things differently. <br />
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Well Jane explained that all is not lost! If you imagine you're starting with a blank piece of paper and starting the business again, you can think about what you would do differently. Having someone else do this for you can also be really valuable (it may be a member of staff or simply a close associate - just be prepared for them to tell you the truth!<br />
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You may just be able to put into place some of the ideas that emerge - change has to start somewhere!Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-20573896506000797772011-08-13T00:33:00.000-07:002011-08-13T00:33:43.625-07:00Colleagues on Tap works for me because ...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TA59tBqKFEM/TVPQQ7fGp_I/AAAAAAAAAH4/wvrY6hTpB7I/s1600/Colleaques+On+Tap+rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TA59tBqKFEM/TVPQQ7fGp_I/AAAAAAAAAH4/wvrY6hTpB7I/s1600/Colleaques+On+Tap+rgb.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've had so much fantastic feedback on Colleagues on Tap co-working days from homeworkers who've attended our events over the past year, we thought it was time to share some of the great things they've said.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, here's a selection of quotes from past co-workers which hopefully will encourage you to come along and try co-working days for homeworkers if you haven't managed to already! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our co-working calendar for this Autumn can be found <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/homeworking/#colleagues_on_tap">HERE</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Getting work done, perhaps in a different way to being at home ...</b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"These days are extremely helpful in the enabling me to achieve important tasks in a busy week."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I found the opportunity to sit on the swing & look at the crocus plants rather inspiring!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I did manage to get my work done but also managed to socialise at the same time which was great as being a home worker it does sometimes get lonely."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"There were fewer distractions than at home."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Networking and chatting with colleagues is an important part of the day ...</b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJz_zD5o0Bk/TkYmjs3KoBI/AAAAAAAAANQ/zjDKJrBsc_U/s1600/Colleagues+on+Tap+Co-workers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJz_zD5o0Bk/TkYmjs3KoBI/AAAAAAAAANQ/zjDKJrBsc_U/s400/Colleagues+on+Tap+Co-workers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I not only met some very interested people but also picked up some great tips using various networking sites."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Met with people I knew from previous events ... and once again great cup cakes."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Good to meet others in the same boat, reassuring as sometimes you feel you are the only one."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Being a home worker it can get lonely in the office on your own and I really enjoyed the 'office' environment but being able to socialise at the same time and make new friends."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"</i>Breaks the monotony and solitude of working at home. Potentially it brings me together with like-minded people. Gives good opportunity to discuss common predicaments ..."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Great to have a quiet undisturbed place to do a bit of focussed work. also enjoyed the facilitated discussion, plus a chance to meet and chat with some interesting people."</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The organised Spot Chat was useful ...<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I enjoyed the informal chat very much. It is an ideal way to exchange ideas and pick up inspiring thoughts from each other. I also gained encouragement from those present at the first meeting I attended."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzvgH4M4Weo/TYxEGFzA5ZI/AAAAAAAAAJg/aqolSMN1w3A/s1600/SpoT+Coworking+Morritt+040+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzvgH4M4Weo/TYxEGFzA5ZI/AAAAAAAAAJg/aqolSMN1w3A/s320/SpoT+Coworking+Morritt+040+crop.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Relaxing sitting in the sun discussing things openly amongst each other."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It was interesting to listen to other peoples views and experiences."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"</i>Wonderful to find that the problems I thought I had are actually the same obstacles faced by other homeworkers - definitely not alone!"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Good to know everyone else's feelings on the challenges of perceptions (including self-perception) of being a home worker and attempts to network."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And of course the cupcakes...</b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lk10wZoXFVM/TWj6lYbB96I/AAAAAAAAAJU/vMxWoi87e4I/s1600/cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lk10wZoXFVM/TWj6lYbB96I/AAAAAAAAAJU/vMxWoi87e4I/s200/cupcake.jpg" width="169" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jayne's home-made cupcakes are a popular feature !</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The cupcakes where to die for"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"In addition to good company, new contacts and information sharing, a nice change of scenery, a breath of fresh air... Oh and the desire to bake yummy cupcakes!"<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Of course the best moment of the day was when we received our cupcakes which were gorgeous !!"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>And finally ...</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Top day"</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Please join us at one of our co-working days this September. For your co-working calendar go to <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/homeworking">http://www.spaceontap.com/homeworking</a></b></span></div><br />
Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-83722308762888989102011-08-04T01:19:00.000-07:002011-08-04T01:20:50.129-07:00Colleagues on Tap proves to be good for home-based business<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; line-height: 13px;">Through transforming venues into a ‘pop-up office’ for the day, Colleagues on Tap provides home-workers with a ‘day at the office’ experience as an alternative to the home office, complete with workspace, wifi and, critically, colleagues on tap.<br />
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In total a programme of 13 Colleagues on Tap co-working days for homeworkers have taken place between June 2010 and July 2011, with a further <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/homeworking/#events">5 events planned for Autumn 2011</a>.<br />
<br />
We have now produced a report to evaluate the rationale behind Colleagues on Tap, and to set out the results of a survey of over 50 homeworkers who attended the events during the initial 12 month period, with a survey response rate of over 85%. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; line-height: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Key highlights from the survey results are:</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<ul><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZqjG9gCLXk/TjpV2UbaYfI/AAAAAAAAAM8/gjGJFSQ1WXc/s1600/survey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZqjG9gCLXk/TjpV2UbaYfI/AAAAAAAAAM8/gjGJFSQ1WXc/s1600/survey.jpg" /></a>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 13px;">Over half of the participants in Colleagues on Tap co-working days attended more than once (85% of males and 41% of females)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 13px;">All but one of the homeworkers who attended ran their own business</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 13px;">Nearly 80% of co-workers reported that they'd managed to get as much work done as they usually do at home, and almost half said they'd actually improved on their usual productivity</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 13px;">93% of attendees at events said they had made new contacts while they worked</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 13px;">100% of those attending the 'SpoT chat' found it useful</span></span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For a copy of the full report <a href="mailto:colleaguesontap@spaceontap.com">get in touch </a>and to check out our Autumn co-working calendar </span><a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/homeworking/#events"><b>CLICK HERE</b></a></span></span>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-30394716439513993872011-07-16T23:38:00.000-07:002011-07-16T23:40:10.451-07:00Check out our New Blog - Coworking UK<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAhjuJpAZZ0/TiJtcXZzOdI/AAAAAAAAAMY/FQiAKxeLqME/s1600/Coworking+UK+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAhjuJpAZZ0/TiJtcXZzOdI/AAAAAAAAAMY/FQiAKxeLqME/s200/Coworking+UK+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://coworkinguk.blogspot.com/">http://coworkinguk.blogspot.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>We're pleased to introduce to you our new Blog Co-working UK. The Colleagues on Tap blog will continue to focus on Colleagues on Tap, the co-working days we hold, and exciting plans for licensing the programme so more people can benefit from Colleagues on Tap!<br />
<br />
We've set up the <a href="http://coworkinguk.blogspot.com/">Co-working UK</a> blog because we believe that co-working is fundamental to the growth of home-based business. <br />
<br />
Through Co-working UK we will be sharing knowledge and best practice in co-working to stimulate and support the development of co-working and co-working spaces across the UK.<br />
<br />
Check out the blog and find out more about what we're up to here <a href="http://coworkinguk.blogspot.com/">http://coworkinguk.blogspot.com/</a>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-51816935092635689892011-07-03T10:15:00.000-07:002011-07-03T10:16:13.509-07:00Coworkers' skills swap - delivering great presentations that hit the spot!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At Colleagues on Tap co-working days we do our best to share the skills of our co-workers, making sure everyone goes home from the day with a little knowledge they didn't have before!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1340382222"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5XTW07_7gY/ThCjg1DVyYI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Hi7PbR2QRDU/s320/Anna+Dorward.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.annadorward.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anna Dorward</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At our co-working day in Sunderland recently, Anna Dorward of <a href="http://www.annadorward.co.uk/">Anna Dorward Learning Solutions</a> led a skills swap session on delivering great presentations that hit the spot. Here's a quick summary of the collective contributions of the group:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What type of presentations do you have to do?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Informative</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Sales</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Educational slots</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Training</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where do you or could you do them?</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Webinars</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Lectures</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Launch events</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Workplaces</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Classroom</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Networking</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you get your presentations right?</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Effective preparation is key - focus on both the preparation stage and the delivery.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Points to consider and self assess may be:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• What is my mindset towards presentations?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• What can I do to ensure effective preparation - we discussed tips such as checking out venue in advance, preparing for questions may receive, your preferred method for your notes to ensure keep focused, methods to engage the audience, pilot the presentation to establish timings and so on</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">• Delivery of the presentation - think about opportunities to practice to receive feedback</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">such as training events with supportive facilitator, family or friends, you could record it</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and watch it back, go through it on your own to actually hear yourself saying it etc</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The group contributed to a fairly extensive list of effective and ineffective aspects of delivery derived from their own experiences. If you'd like to see the full list get in touch with Space on Tap help@spaceontap.com or Anna Dorward www.annadorward.co.uk </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you'd like to join us at future co-working days for homeworkers get in touch or request our current co-working calendar - we'd love to see you there!</span>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-73068012976013725712011-06-12T05:26:00.000-07:002011-06-12T05:28:23.884-07:00Co-working in the NeST ...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ockGXBEAdM/TfSpcMXlniI/AAAAAAAAALo/3X53c7NR46Q/s1600/NeST+CoT+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ockGXBEAdM/TfSpcMXlniI/AAAAAAAAALo/3X53c7NR46Q/s320/NeST+CoT+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Co-working area at NeST Barnard Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A group of 8 homeworkers descended on the NeST Gallery, Digital Hub and Cafe for a Colleagues on Tap Co-working experience on Wednesday 8th June.<br />
<br />
Although several of our co-workers had already experienced NeST as an event space or a cafe (and 2 are already members of this co-working space) some hadn't visited before the event. All enjoyed their inspiring workspace for the day, stimulated by the works of local artists that adourned the walls and of course their new-found colleagues on tap!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4q3tRe_m6_4/TfStvstRliI/AAAAAAAAALs/mjC1-Vh-Zr4/s1600/NeST+CoT+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4q3tRe_m6_4/TfStvstRliI/AAAAAAAAALs/mjC1-Vh-Zr4/s320/NeST+CoT+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workspace adourned by the work of local artists</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The regular 'SpoT chat' session after lunch focused again on Cloud Computing - even more free products and services emerged from this discussion, to top the long list our co-workers came up with at an earlier Colleagues on Tap day at the Tyneside Cinema (which were also shared with colleagues during the session). <a href="http://colleaguesontap.blogspot.com/2011/05/free-space-in-cloud.html">CLICK HERE to read 'Free Space ... in the Cloud'.</a><br />
<br />
So, to add to the list of free Cloud-based services ...<br />
<a href="http://prezi.com/">Prezi.com</a> is a tool that allows you to create dynamic, customised presentations, and<br />
Through <a href="http://gist.com/">GIST.com </a> you can manage all of your contacts in one place (from Outlook to Twitter)<br />
<br />
A key feature of Colleagues on Tap is the opportunity for co-workers to share knowledge. We hope our Blog readers benefit from this too!Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-91677700171579744582011-06-11T23:17:00.000-07:002011-06-11T23:29:09.513-07:00WEBINAR: Why Coworking's good for business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Spaceontap#p/a/u/0/vKuKMQG0MUs"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atsyEHNA4Tw/TfRZQGev_PI/AAAAAAAAALE/mo2MclLJAWk/s200/screen+shot+coworking+why+it%2527s+good+for+business.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thanks to The Mussel Club for hosting this 15 minute webinar: Co-working and why it's good for business.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Spaceontap#p/a/u/0/vKuKMQG0MUs">CLICK HERE</a> to find out what Co-working's all about, why it's good for business, and how/where you can do it.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to find out more about co-working get in touch at help@spaceontap.comSpace on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-73686563991206291602011-06-05T04:09:00.000-07:002011-06-05T04:19:01.765-07:00Video Blog - Jeremy Scally's co-working secrets!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1901212747"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWvOeYlhZsw/TetZWUy4_KI/AAAAAAAAAK8/lhb-rfBj900/s320/Jeremy+Scally+video+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biglittlefish.co.uk/">Jeremy Scally, Big Little Fish</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jeremy Scally of <a href="http://www.biglittlefish.co.uk/">Big Little Fish</a> talks about Colleagues on Tap co-working days and let's you into a secret about one member of the Space on Tap team ...!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=269E9_Oir9E">CLICK HERE</a> for Jeremy's Video Blog.<br />
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To book your place at one of our Colleagues on Tap Co-working days across the North East go to www.colleaguesontap.com<br />
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Check out free Cloud Computing services used by some of our Colleagues on Tap co-workers <a href="http://colleaguesontap.blogspot.com/2011/05/free-space-in-cloud.html">HERE</a>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-73478867895613270502011-05-25T05:34:00.000-07:002011-05-25T05:37:27.804-07:00FREE WEBINAR: Why Co-working's Good for Business?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqKc_pTX8vY/Tdz310-Ye-I/AAAAAAAAAKo/XlKKYgjFdR8/s1600/iStock_000004361407XSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqKc_pTX8vY/Tdz310-Ye-I/AAAAAAAAAKo/XlKKYgjFdR8/s200/iStock_000004361407XSmall.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Join us free, from the comfort of your desk, to find out more about co-working and why it's good for your personal and business development, particularly if you work at home or in a small team.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GK17e-rG38M/Tdz23y8pZTI/AAAAAAAAAKk/YY9DeV_Mb1w/s1600/mussel+club+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="52" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GK17e-rG38M/Tdz23y8pZTI/AAAAAAAAAKk/YY9DeV_Mb1w/s200/mussel+club+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
The Mussel Club is kindly hosting Space on Tap's first 'Net Meeting' for 15/20 minutes at 10 am on Friday 10th June.<br />
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<a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/news/view/113/">CLICK HERE</a> to find out more or to book your free placeSpace on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-49581894440662186512011-05-12T04:10:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:39:38.796-07:00Free space ... in the Cloud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKTvq15aVRo/TcvQHUv13AI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/hz6IKfnjoHk/s1600/coworking+day+at+tyneside+cinema+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKTvq15aVRo/TcvQHUv13AI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/hz6IKfnjoHk/s200/coworking+day+at+tyneside+cinema+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Co-workers getting down to business<br />
in our Tyneside Cinema pop up office</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Another great co-working day was had at the Tyneside Cinema on 10th May, with co-workers enjoying an inspiring office for the day as well as a free heritage tour around this amazing art deco building. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1UMa7FxCNFY/TcvQ0Gqhr1I/AAAAAAAAAKY/nIMZjEfG_KI/s1600/Jeremy+spot+chat+tyneside+cinema+10.5.11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1UMa7FxCNFY/TcvQ0Gqhr1I/AAAAAAAAAKY/nIMZjEfG_KI/s200/Jeremy+spot+chat+tyneside+cinema+10.5.11.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy Scally, LittleBigFish</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our SpoT Chat after lunch, led by co-worker Jeremy Scally from <a href="http://www.biglittlefish.co.uk/">BigLittleFish</a>, centred around Cloud Computing, helping co-workers to understand what it is, and for the group to share their experiences ...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SIcWIT_zNx4/TcvP_LxACTI/AAAAAAAAAKE/FLyGJXEc8WQ/s1600/SpoT+chat+Tyneside+Cinema+10.5.11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SIcWIT_zNx4/TcvP_LxACTI/AAAAAAAAAKE/FLyGJXEc8WQ/s200/SpoT+chat+Tyneside+Cinema+10.5.11.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>There was a really broad spectrum of knowledge in the group of 12 co-workers, from literally none at all (and really willing to learn from scratch!) to professional expertise (but still managing to up some tips during the chat!). Everyone agreed they'd learnt something during the session so a big tick for everyone involved :)<br />
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<b>FREE CLOUD APPLICATIONS</b><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-0V7ESvZek/TcvQC5dvX5I/AAAAAAAAAKI/7M-LzlJifL4/s1600/Spot+chat+tyneside+cinema+2+10.5.11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-0V7ESvZek/TcvQC5dvX5I/AAAAAAAAAKI/7M-LzlJifL4/s200/Spot+chat+tyneside+cinema+2+10.5.11.JPG" width="200" /></a><b></b>Co-workers shared their tips on free Cloud applications that they were already using and that they were happy to recommend - here's a quick list - we obviously can't endorse any of them formally, but we're looking forward to trying some of them out!<br />
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/">DROPBOX</a> - Free File Sharing/Storing - great for sharing photos and large documents, but also if you need somewhere to store documents/emails etc for you to access remotely<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/">FLICKR</a> - Photo storage and sharing<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.techsmith.com/jing/free/">JING</a> - </span>Allows you to take a picture or make a short video of what you see on your computer monitor (both free and paid for versions available)<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.mailchimp.com/?pid=GAW&source=website&gclid=CI3Y57Kp4qgCFcod4QodB0AODg">MAILCHIMP</a> - Email newsletters to up to 2,000 subscribers and track results with free version</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">SLIDESHARE </a>- Provides online access to powerpoint presentations, documents and videos </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.skype.com/intl/en-gb/features/allfeatures/screen-sharing/">SKYPE SCREEN SHARING</a> - Allows you to share your desktop screen with whoever you're talking to on </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">SURVEYMONKEY</a> - Online survey tool - free version is very useable and recommended by many, although most of the reporting and features come in the paid for version</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://vimeo.com/">VIMEO</a> - An alternative to YouTube for sharing videos</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you have any questions or comments about any of these Cloud products, feel free to post them here and we'll ask Jeremy from BigLittleFish and others to respond. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">IF YOU KNOW OF OTHER USEFUL FREE CLOUD PRODUCTS PLEASE POST DETAILS IN THE COMMENTS TOO ;)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-10352147531221007092011-05-12T02:59:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:39:38.967-07:00Video Blog - Why co-working's good for business, Dona Skaife<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHD6IuhiP8M/TcuzChUe_3I/AAAAAAAAAKA/mGDIbQkKcAQ/s1600/Dona+Skaife+WBS+Accountants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHD6IuhiP8M/TcuzChUe_3I/AAAAAAAAAKA/mGDIbQkKcAQ/s200/Dona+Skaife+WBS+Accountants.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR8xk_9JHaA">VIEW THIS SHORT VIDEO BLOG</a> by Dona Skaife, WBS Accountants, who explains why Colleagues on Tap co-working days are good for her and her business.<br />
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If you'd like to join Space on Tap at a future Colleagues on Tap co-working day <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/homeworking/#colleagues_on_tap">CLICK HERE</a> to check out future events.<br />
If you're interested in hosting your own co-working day, get in touch help@spaceontap.comSpace on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-41097423456780660632011-04-19T10:09:00.000-07:002011-04-19T10:09:05.032-07:00Feature on homeworking and co-working on Radio TeesdaleListen to this short Radio Teesdale feature on homeworking and co-working including interviews with Jayne Graham, Space on Tap, Ruxana Mahdi of Barter Angels and Gary Hosey, one of our co-workers at The Morritt Arms, Greta Bridge in March.<br />
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<a href="http://spaceontap.com/assets/files/Radio_Teesdale_on_Colleagues_on_Tap_24-3-11.mp3">http://spaceontap.com/assets/files/Radio_Teesdale_on_Colleagues_on_Tap_24-3-11.mp3</a>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-54574632650993313772011-04-11T06:01:00.000-07:002011-04-11T06:02:03.939-07:00Networks recommended by our co-workers at the Quadrus Centre BoldonA successful Colleagues on Tap co-working day at the Quadrus Centre in Boldon, South Tyneside, last week provided us another opportunity to chat about networks we're collectively involved in, and that have borne fruit by way of new contacts. <br />
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We promised to share the group's recommendations, as follows:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>MUSSEL CLUB</b>: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.themusselclub.com/" title="blocked::http://www.themusselclub.com/">http://www.themusselclub.com/</a> The Mussel Club has formed groups across the region, meeting in local restaurants. Format includes a key note speaker and networking before and during dinner. Its new website includes the ability to connect with other members plus a net meeting facility so members can hold their own webinars free of charge.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>WOMEN-ONLY</u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>NEWCASTLE BUSINESS MUMS</b>: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://newcastlebusinessmums.co.uk/" title="blocked::http://newcastlebusinessmums.co.uk/">http://newcastlebusinessmums.co.uk/</a> Tends to meet every couple of months during the evening around the Newcastle area. Again features speakers on a whole range of business issues. Very relaxed and informal - a great introduction to networking for business mums who're a bit out of practice!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>MUMS BUSINESS CLUB NORTH EAST</b>: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://mumsbusinessclub.com/" title="blocked::http://mumsbusinessclub.com/">http://mumsbusinessclub.com/</a> Daytime meetings in various locations across the region. Children are welcome, making this a great way to combine childcare with business networking for women who find it difficult to attend traditional networking events.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><b>NETWORKING ANGELS</b>: <a href="mailto:lorraine@networknorth.org,uk" target="_blank" title="blocked::mailto:lorraine@networknorth.org,uk">lorraine@networknorth.org.uk</a> Another women-only event that meets weekly at 9.30 am every Friday on a rotational basis around the region, including Morpeth, Newcastle, Durham and Darlington. Speed networking format provides a great opportunity to meet several new contacts during the session. </o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><br />
</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p><b>OTHERS OF NOTE</b>:</o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Chamber of Commerce: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/" title="blocked::http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/">http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/</a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Network North: </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.networknorth.org.uk/" title="blocked::http://www.networknorth.org.uk/">http://www.networknorth.org.uk/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please comment below to add your own thoughts to this list - the more the merrier!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-70086772914994389262011-03-25T00:33:00.000-07:002011-03-25T00:33:24.383-07:00Sharing networking tips ... coffee and cakes in the garden!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yzvgH4M4Weo/TYxEGFzA5ZI/AAAAAAAAAJg/aqolSMN1w3A/s1600/SpoT+Coworking+Morritt+040+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yzvgH4M4Weo/TYxEGFzA5ZI/AAAAAAAAAJg/aqolSMN1w3A/s400/SpoT+Coworking+Morritt+040+crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colleagues on Tap 'SpoT chat' on networking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well The Morritt did not disappoint. Another successful Colleagues on Tap co-working day was had yesterday in sunny Greta Bridge, thanks to the wonderful surroundings, the impeccable service and an interesting (if eclectic!) group of co-workers.<br />
Here's a run-down ... Joining the SpoT team for the day were:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>an electrical and energy consultant keen to help businesses to save and make money from energy; </li>
<li>a leadership and behavioural coach who works internationally; </li>
<li>a practitioner who uses the arts to promote health & wellbeing and develop professional skills such as creativity, innovation and enterprise; </li>
<li>an IT Consultant who creates IT strategies for forward thinking companies; an economic development consultant who's currently working on a project for the United Arab Emirates; </li>
<li>a recruitment specialist who works with a global distance learning organisation; </li>
<li>an established consultant who 'researches and realises' a whole range of projects in culture, economic development and higher education across the North East; </li>
<li>an IT solutions provider who specialises in working with small and home based businesses; and </li>
<li>a recruitment consultant who focuses on whatever really matters to her customers across the recruitment process, from support with planning recruitment through to helping people think about how they present themselves through their CVs.</li>
</ul><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cMq65rJrI1M/TYxFDweTJ5I/AAAAAAAAAJk/beSk5SOw0wc/s1600/morritt+pop+up+office+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cMq65rJrI1M/TYxFDweTJ5I/AAAAAAAAAJk/beSk5SOw0wc/s320/morritt+pop+up+office+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pop up office in The Morritt's Garden Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The diversity of the group did nothing but add to the interesting discussions throughout the day. Although plenty of work was churned out on laptops, the group had plenty of opportunity to share experiences and provide support to each other on topics such as networking and favourite networks around the region, the topic of our SpoT chat, held in The Morritt's beautiful sunny garden.Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-75197918364307023352011-03-22T00:31:00.000-07:002011-03-22T00:31:51.997-07:00Co-working in TeesdaleWe're so looking forward to taking in the wonderful surroundings of The Morritt in Greta Bridge at our co-working day planned for this Thursday 24th, and if this great Spring weather keeps up hopefully we'll get to enjoy something of the Teesdale countryside over lunch!<br />
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The event's a sell-out, and we now have a waiting list, so we're excited about the prospect of doing more events at the Moritt and other great venues around the area in the future. <br />
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Radio Teesdale have also expressed an interest in what we're up to, and will be interviewing Jayne Graham who founded Colleagues on Tap co-working days, together with some of our co-workers on the day, for their<br />
Business Programme being aired on 31st March. Through the interview we'll hopefully be able to connect with a few more homeworkers across Teesdale, and talk about our next co-working event in the area which will take place at <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/news/view/98/">NeST in Barnard Castle</a> on 8th June.<br />
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For details of other co-working events across the North East region, including in South Tyneside on 5th April, <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/homeworking/#colleagues_on_tap">CLICK HERE </a>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-15779231774493191982011-03-19T00:36:00.000-07:002011-03-19T00:36:03.144-07:00How many co-working spaces does the world need? (article)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x5hSXJWM64c/TYRcJB74eUI/AAAAAAAAAJc/kC1vgGnhp9U/s1600/founders-den.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-x5hSXJWM64c/TYRcJB74eUI/AAAAAAAAAJc/kC1vgGnhp9U/s320/founders-den.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"The traditional model of startups leasing their own office, buying their own copy-machines, hiring receptionists, office managers, cleaning services, etc., may best serve those companies which have validated their business models, closed a large funding round, and are flush with cash. For all others, we can expect the market to meet the demand for this new style of [co-]working, with a variety of options that appeal to all types of entrepreneurs ..."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://venturebeat.com/2011/03/18/co-working-guide-founders-den/">Short article by Entrepreneur Corner</a> that demonstrates the extent to which co-working has become embedded in the US, and that sets out the various types of co-working spaces that already exist - we've found examples of most in the UK too, although little in the North East it has to be said ... for now ... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><a href="http://venturebeat.com/2011/03/18/co-working-guide-founders-den/">CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE</a></b> </span>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-84432019354452906832011-03-11T00:10:00.000-08:002011-03-11T00:10:33.146-08:00"The Promise of the Cloud Workplace", Strategy & Business<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.strategy-business.com/media/image/10214a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://www.strategy-business.com/media/image/10214a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;">At Roam Atlanta: services, support, and social interaction. Photograph courtesy of Roam Atlanta</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<h2 style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-top: 0px;">"Freelancers are turning to “co-working” environments for better workplace interaction. Companies could use them to boost productivity".</h2><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Interesting journal post From <a href="http://www.strategy-business.com/article/10214">Strategy & Business</a> (free online registration required) </div>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-60891588230075445442011-02-26T05:11:00.000-08:002011-02-26T05:11:37.398-08:00Reasons to co-work - it's not 'all' about the cakes, is it?!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6UXSekA-0o4/TWj5ujwjmxI/AAAAAAAAAJM/mWDSH18Esp4/s1600/spot+feb+11+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6UXSekA-0o4/TWj5ujwjmxI/AAAAAAAAAJM/mWDSH18Esp4/s320/spot+feb+11+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Co-working space at Newcastle Business Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The venue for our first co-working day back in June 2010, we revisited Newcastle Business Village on Thursday 17th Feb for Round 2. The place has changed a bit since we were there last: the workspace is now open and bright, and the Village team were as welcoming and helpful as ever. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z5Gv7tqD1yo/TWj4Ow5O3KI/AAAAAAAAAJE/t4Laji_adgk/s1600/spot+feb+11+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z5Gv7tqD1yo/TWj4Ow5O3KI/AAAAAAAAAJE/t4Laji_adgk/s200/spot+feb+11+024.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newcastle Business Village's <br />
home made chocolate brownies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We filled the space with co-workers by around 10 am, and all set to work using the fast WiFi connection that served us brilliantly all day. Morning was interrupted only by the Centre Manager, Helen Reed's, home made chocolate brownies (yes really!) which went down a treat (and for some more than others - no names mentioned ...).<br />
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After lunch our SpoT chat took a slightly different format to usual, with a useful discussion around the table about current projects, as well as sharing challenges and queries relating to homeworking. The range of business activities around the table was diverse to say the last, ranging from a study into solid waste management in Europe through to the sale of Cloud-based accounting solutions. The collaboration amongst the group, however, reaffirmed the fact that businesses don't need to be operating in the same sector to be able to connect. The commonality was in the home base from which the companies operate and I suppose the sharing of cupcakes after lunch - other than one co-worker who chose to photograph her cupcake to illustrate to co-weight watchers what she hadn't eaten that day :). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lk10wZoXFVM/TWj6lYbB96I/AAAAAAAAAJU/vMxWoi87e4I/s1600/cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lk10wZoXFVM/TWj6lYbB96I/AAAAAAAAAJU/vMxWoi87e4I/s200/cupcake.jpg" width="169" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Those' Space on Tap cupcakes :)</td></tr>
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When asked whether they managed to get as much work done as they would have done at home, the responses were mixed, mainly falling between 'the same' and 'more' which is great. One co-worker said he'd achieved slightly less work than he would have done at home, but qualified that with "It depends on whether you consider networking (which was certainly useful) to be work". Well we do!<br />
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For a calendar of co-working days planned for March, April and May 2011 <a href="http://www.spaceontap.com/homeworking/#colleagues_on_tap">CLICK HERE</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-42663306493039114582011-02-26T04:30:00.000-08:002011-02-26T04:30:41.843-08:00Quick co-working poll<h2 class="title" style="color: black; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal bold 11px/normal 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative; text-transform: uppercase;">WHAT'S THE PRIORITY WHEN CO-WORKING - THE PEOPLE OR THE PLACE? </h2><div>Make your selection in our quick poll.</div>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5183011055247440350.post-1547656279366974122011-02-22T06:58:00.000-08:002011-02-22T06:59:35.656-08:00Why people don't co-work (yet)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvVeU0-HXTM/TWPN6a4mcdI/AAAAAAAAAJA/xSc4ae0IHKE/s1600/Colleaques+On+Tap+-+icon+rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvVeU0-HXTM/TWPN6a4mcdI/AAAAAAAAAJA/xSc4ae0IHKE/s200/Colleaques+On+Tap+-+icon+rgb.jpg" width="199" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to a recent report from <a href="http://www.deskmag.com/">Deskmag</a>, the 2010<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> Global Co-working Survey attracted a surprising number of responses from people interested in the concept, but who have not yet given it a try. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Of these non-coworkers, 65% said they were seriously interested, 29% were slightly interested, and the remainder were non-committal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 20px;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1f1f1f; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.deskmag.com/en/why-people-dont-work-in-coworking-spaces-185">Read more ...</a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Is there a co-working space near you? If there was, would you use it?</b></span>Space on Taphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12944564642117109203noreply@blogger.com0