Monday morning, I wanted to get out of my usual place so that I could start up my week in peace. You see, typically I like to reserve Monday mornings for my time. What that means is that I need to plan who I am going to see and what needs to be completed by Friday. So instead of staying put, I decided to put myself in another environment for a change: A Coffee Shop, Murray Street Coffee Shop to be exact.
I have often wondered about these coffee bean entrepreneurs who are the same ones you would find sitting hours at a starbucks. I’m pretty sure they are here for the same reason. I think deep down the human element needs some form of social stimulation even if we don’t talk to each other. Just knowing that people are around is sufficient. I like to change things up sometimes because while I wait for my office to be built out, working from home has its disadvantages. So it begs the question: “Why have a real office if you can just go to a Coffee Shop?”
I have talked to these coffee bean entrepreneurs and most of them are starting out and some are just working independently with a group of others just like them. One guy I talked to is working on a series of iPhone applications and he does it all from his coffee shop. It’s pretty interesting to see these guys in action. Its almost like a matrix of workers that are connected only by email and instant messenger. With this concept comes several inefficiencies. For one, there is no structure like there is in an office. I tend to like a open office much better than a closed office. My old business partner said that he liked open offices because he wants to be able to yell at people. If you knew him you would know why he said that. All joking aside, he has a great point. When you need something you need to tell someone and sometimes technology can be a huge stumbling block. This of course can be a pro and a con. It’s also important that I bring out that you can retro-fit this idea into a coffee shop. You just are not guaranteed a spot if the place is busy.
Ok so back to these guys who sit at these coffee shops. Are you one of them? I wonder how many of you if given the chance would jump at an office if you spent the same amount of money as the $5 coffee twice per day. Basically $200 per month gets you a desk where you get all the same resources: Wifi, Coffee, Satellite TV, and Maybe even an XBOX here and there.
I’m exploring possibilities with others who share the same vision in helping these coffee bean entrepreneurs see the value in having a conference room, a mailbox and a place to call home. The question I have is: “Is there any value to this?” Some would argue that coming to the coffee shop has less to do with business but more about social interaction. OR just a place to look like you are working as you search for work elsewhere. There have been a number of articles written about these types. Of course these would not be good candidates for such a real-estate venture. Then there are places like West Village Starbucks in Dallas Tx. Personally I think its more of a fashion show than anything else. I guess there is a certain appeal to that as well. Just wondering what the motivation is for these coffee bean entrepreneurs. I would love to hear some candid comments as to what you would prefer.
FOR THOSE IN DALLAS LOOKING FOR A YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAPPY HOUR
I am hosting my monthly event July 7th 2009 at 5:30pm.
Tower Club Dallas
1601 Elm Street Suite 4800
This is a private club so you will need to rsvp for access…
RSVP: 214-432-4405