Joe Seager: What have I learned after 12 months of co-working?

By Society 1

08 Oct 2024

Website
Society1-64.jpg.jpg

It's been a year since I signed up as a member of Society1 in Preston. It's flown by. It's also been one of the best things I've done for my self-employed self.

Being in the same home office, with no company, too many distractions & mediocre productivity wasn't great. Stepping into a vibrant workspace with like-minded individuals has been a game-changer. 
Here are a few things I've taken from coworking so far. ⤵️

Get involved in events.  

There are many events to attend, from breakfast socials where pastries are provided to the annual & awesome International Coworking Day. I hadn't attended a work Christmas party in over a decade & I more than made up for it back in December. It is great to listen to a panel of experts or have some downtime with 'colleagues'.

Suggest things.  

Coworking spaces are continuously evolving.

Speaking up & sharing ideas is something that is actively encouraged. I had the idea to run a Euro 2024 sweepstakes.

Not many freelancers have the opportunity to do these types of things so it's great to get them up & running. 

Take opportunities. ️ 

Within a couple of months of joining, I was asked to speak at the monthly freelancer event. This is something I would usually avoid but it was great to look back, take stock of where I've come from & share my story. I've even 'modelled' for S1's updated photos.

Share skills. ️ 

Everyone in that working environment has unique skills. A conversation over a brew can give you so much insight and help with something you're having trouble with.

If you have a problem, tap into the knowledge people around you have. 

Buy from other small businesses 

I've loved seeing what other people do, the products they sell & the services they offer. When I've purchased from fellow creatives, it's been top quality and I enjoy supporting their work. 

Hang around the coffee machine 

The coffee machine is the beating heart of any coworking space. It's where valuable conversations take place, as well as where laughter happens.

It's where simple introductions take place, the ice is broken & networking begins. It's where friends are made, ideas are thrown around & collaborations are sparked. 

It's more than working

Yes, I've been supported with my business but I've also been supported emotionally. The chats I've had have been invaluable & the right person has been there at the right time. We find things in common & it's about those connections as much as it's about getting your work done. 

Why not?

You might think that it's not for you or are nervous & full of anxiety about rocking up at a new building with new people.

With a free day pass you can 'try before you buy' & see if it suits your personality and how you work. If you decide it's not for you, you've lost nothing & have had free coffee & fast Wi-Fi for a few hours. Give it a go.

 

About Joe Seager

Joe Seager is a freelance digital marketer. He helps businesses of all shapes and sizes with marketing. This includes social media management, video editing, photography and content writing and blogging.

Find more from Joe Seager:

Linkedin – Joseph Seager
Oop North Media 
Instagram – @oopnorthmedia

Enjoyed this? Read more from Society 1

Latest news

1

Gearing up for blossoming Red Rose Awards 2026 Red Rose Awards 2026 launch event

Gearing up for blossoming Red Rose Awards 2026

06 Oct 2025

2

New managing director at Freedom Heat Pumps Graham McCracken

New managing director at Freedom Heat Pumps

06 Oct 2025

3

Rising costs force chocolate-maker’s closure Beech's Fine Chocolate

Rising costs force chocolate-maker’s closure

06 Oct 2025

4

Double digit promotions across Napthens Group 10 promotions at Napthens Group

Double digit promotions across Napthens Group

03 Oct 2025

5

Tourism Unsung Hero finalists revealed Jenny Moss Kate Pollard Peter Martland Andy Black

Tourism Unsung Hero finalists revealed

01 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

The Future of Work: Tech, teams and thriving in a changing world
Oct PTC.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
07 Oct 2025 - 07 Oct 2025

The Future of Work: Tech, teams and thriving in a changing world

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – October
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 Oct 2025 - 07 Oct 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – October

Soul Bowl, Morecambe, LA4 4BU

08:00 - 10:00

HR Recharge: Empowering today’s workforce, transforming tomorrow’s workplace
Muted Blue (4).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
08 Oct 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

HR Recharge: Empowering today’s workforce, transforming tomorrow’s workplace

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:30

Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West
Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West event
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Oct 2025 - 09 Oct 2025

Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West

Forbes Solicitors, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit Centre, PR5 6AW, PR6 6AW

08:00 - 10:00

Empowering franchise growth in the North West
TFA Event - Empowering Franchise Growth.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Oct 2025 - 09 Oct 2025

Empowering franchise growth in the North West

Forbes Solicitors Sceptre Way Walton Summit Centre , Preston, PR5 6AW

08:00 - 10:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin