Don’t Just Work, Thrive: The Top 10 Mistakes NOT To Make When Choosing Your Coworking Space in Kolkata!

Coworking spaces have become a saviour for those of us working independently in Kolkata. One look at the impressive office setup, the friendly team and the ecosystem within, and you’re instantly excited to put your best foot forward, network and take your business to the next level. Sounds too good to be true, right? But if you are in Kolkata, you’ll know just how many options there are for you right now, with so many new centres opening up and revamping their facilities; who knows which one to choose and which one will positively impact your business? There’s a high chance that you could end up at the wrong one, which might actually kill your new startup from within instead of helping it grow and prosper the way it should. Infinity Business Centre has seen both the extremes. Customers who walked through the door and either thrived in our environment or couldn’t gel with the community for various reasons. We think we have seen it all now when it comes to the make-or-break aspects of a customer’s business in the decision to choose a coworking space in Kolkata. From the physical infrastructure to the people that work there, there are 10 things that really matter when it comes to choosing your new office space, and we’re about to tell you all about them!

Beyond the Buzz: The 10 Things You Shouldn’t Ignore in Coworking Spaces

While a snazzy setup and a great introductory offer do not go unnoticed, a truly excellent coworking experience in Kolkata digs way deeper than that. “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” as the legendary Benjamin Franklin would tell us. So let’s not prepare to fail, shall we? Let’s take a look at these 10 common coworking space mistakes that you can easily avoid!

• Disregarding Your Budget (Hidden costs, beware!): While you’re getting excited about how affordable the monthly plan seems to be, just be careful that this low price isn’t hiding additional costs that sneak up on you later. We all know they do! Do you have to pay for everything, from printing to meeting rooms to coffee? With a plan that seemed so cheap to start with, you’d better have a team ready to check everything to make sure you’re not being nickel-and-dimed by the second. Over at Infinity Business Centre, we take pride in our transparency.
• Location & Accessibility overrated?: Not on your life! Convenience is key. Don’t forget it! How easily can you, your team (and clients!) get to the office every day? Is it near public transport links, major roads and other things that make life easier when you’re out running your day-to-day? An easy commute to and fro is definitely a productivity booster, so make sure the location is easy.
• Overlooking the Community Factor: A swanky office fit-out is all very well in Kolkata, but the other thing that really makes a difference to the coworking experience is the people you’ll be working alongside. If you’re looking for a vibrant, buzzing, collaborative community to be a part of, make sure you check it out. It’s not just desks they’re offering but the opportunity to exchange ideas, contacts and best practices. Don’t be fooled by a sterile, corporate facade.
• Skipping the Coworking Space Tour (Trust no one but your own eyes!): Never, ever agree to a contract without first visiting the office in person. Don’t. It. Do it. Pictures are one thing, reality another. Go down, see for yourself and get a real feel for the place. Sit on a chair, use a toilet, check the Wi-Fi, ask some questions, and see if you feel at home there. No shortcuts; trust only what you see for yourself.
• Overlooking the Essentials (Coffee Breaks Matter Too!): Fast, reliable Wi-Fi? Checked. Meeting rooms, phone booths, printing services, secure storage facilities, coffee machines, microwaves? Need them all? Check, check, and check some more. Make a list, tick it off, ensure the coworking space in Kolkata is all you need it to be, and more.
• Ignoring Security & Privacy (No one likes trouble, right?): How secure are your equipment and data here? What about privacy when you’re on a call or discussing confidential matters with a client or team member? Nothing will annoy you quicker than a complete lack of security and privacy where you need it most.
• Not Testing the Internet Connection (Don’t Trust!) Verify!): Fast, reliable Internet connection. That’s the golden rule. No matter how good the coffee is, if the Wi-Fi is slow or goes down on a regular basis, you won’t get much done. Ask, check, and find out about bandwidth and backup solutions. Make sure the existing users are all having a great experience in the coworking space in Kolkata.
• Missing out on the Noise Check (Are you easily distracted?): Introvert? Hate noise? Need silence? Some people work best in the buzz and hubbub of an open-plan, high-energy coworking space in Kolkata. Others can’t focus to save themselves. Either way, look for dedicated quiet zones if that’s what you need. If not, and you need your own private cabin for your line of work, then the open plan just won’t cut it for you.
• Ignoring Flexibility (Coworking Spaces in Kolkata also evolve!): Your business needs and requirements are constantly changing as your business develops and grows (or contracts). Are the options you are offered flexible and scalable? Can you easily change, reduce or upgrade your membership options as you go?
• Not Aligning Your Brand & Culture (A Place That Truly Fits You!): Does the coworking space in Kolkata fit the brand image and culture that you want your business to be known for? This is something we’ve often overlooked when it comes to the start of a new business. Clients you invite into your business environment for meetings and discussions are the ones that will go back and associate that image with your business. If you don’t really identify with the environment you find yourself in, it will show. Choose a coworking space that syncs up with the personality and ethos of your brand, not one that doesn’t.

Conclusion: The Clever Shortcut to a Smart Decision

In conclusion, your office space is the environment in which you work, create and grow. It is literally the crucible that helps to create your best work and propel your business forward, towards the success it deserves. It’s also your chance to make a final, big decision in choosing the perfect coworking space in Kolkata, and we want to help. We’re listing out the 10 most common coworking space mistakes in Kolkata that are easy for you to avoid and have you making the best possible choice to really help your business shine. We have seen the other side of the coin from having done this for a long time. Infinity Business Centre is also that space that has already taken all of the feedback, the right and wrong, and implemented perfect conditions for our customers to do their best work in the best way possible. So why not drop by, take a tour, see for yourself, and be equipped with all the tools to help you achieve your best! Become the shining beacon of success that you were born to be!

What are the most important things for you when choosing a coworking space in Kolkata? Tell us in the comments below! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What are the biggest benefits of choosing a coworking space over a traditional office in Kolkata?

The most important ones are price, flexibility, and community. You don’t have to spend upfront and sign years-long leases on a traditional office; you get plans that are just the right size to scale with your business, and, most of all, you join a professional community you can trust for collaboration, referrals, and growth from day one.

• What are some common “hidden costs” you should ask about?

Make sure to clarify if your monthly plan is inclusive of utility costs, like printing, booking meeting rooms, high-speed internet connectivity and even coffee and tea. Many so-called “low-cost” plans, in reality, are not inclusive of these basic amenities. This can make a great workspace, way more than you had budgeted for. At Infinity Business Centre, we make a point to be transparent so you always know the true cost of your plan and exactly what you have access to from day one.

• How can I really know if the community is a good fit for me?

Visiting in person and taking a tour is the best way to do this and, of course, is the first tip in our list. We suggest spending time in the community areas as well to get a feel for the general atmosphere. Ask the community manager what kinds of businesses are currently using the coworking space and what types of networking events are regularly held to help you get a good idea if the culture will suit your professional style.

• Are coworking spaces suitable for teams or just for solo entrepreneurs?

They are the best solution for both! Modern coworking spaces in Kolkata come in a wide variety. This could range from shared hot desks or dedicated desks for freelancers to secure, private cabins with different sizes and features, which are scalable to fit all team sizes. Your space grows along with your business, effortlessly.