SOCO Co-Working Space

Co-working spaces are collaborative work environment of shared space, ideas, knowledge often used by self-employed or independent workers.  As a newly full-time entrepreneur, Rhonda had an opportunity to tour Columbia's premiere co-working space, SOCO.  There are actually two locations in the area, downtown in the Vista and in the new Bull Street District.  Rhonda toured the latter, yet as a SOCO paid member your are able to go to either location.  During Rhonda's free day pass visit this past week, she went to both locations, and felt a different vibe at each location.  Bull Street had more of a relax vibe, whereas Vista had more of an emerging creative vibe.

As an entrepreneur, it can get lonely and unproductive working at home, and co-working spaces provide the familiarity of an office environment.  The connections with the other "co-workers" can be at both the local and global level.  There are people that hold membership that live in the community, as well as global visitors who drop in every few weeks at they travel.  Everyone is willing to share their expertise, and it was able to easily identify persons who maybe to help in areas of marketing, promotion, and website development, in addition to what Rhonda can offer them.

The culture of co-working spaces have proven to be a growth market that is beyond a phenomenon.  They can be found in almost any major US or global city, and travelers find them to be ideal working spaces.  A list can be found here.  It's also interested to note that successful business such as Uber, Instagram, and Indiegogo started at a co-working space.

Have you been to a co-working space in your community or while traveling?

​Rhonda W. & Sharee W.