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Permalink to Strong at 30!

Strong at 30!

by Craig Baute|on May 15, 2012 |in Coworking |tagged , |Leave a comment

Creative Density was created to be a support and social community for the mobile workers of Denver, and in our first few weeks we had over 10 coworkers working and laughing here. Now I am proud to announce that our coworking community in Denver has grown to over 30 smart and amazing people. This is no small feat for a new disruptive force changing the way people work and connect in the age of mobile technology and entrepreneurship.

The 30 awesome people that make up Creative Density helps keep work exciting as we are able to learn from each other, push us to get projects done, and relax on the patio with a Denver Pale Ale. The web developers share code and work together on projects, the remote corporate workers help the freelancers navigate connections of big business, and the startups get immediate and honest feedback on new products. The idea of coworking and sharing more than space, but also being open to sharing skills and building relationships drives coworking and makes it a powerful movement. With 30 members and growing every week the coworking movement and its ideas are going to be around in Denver for years to come.

Thank you to everyone that has been part of the march to 30. We’ll see you at 60 very soon.

Keep being awesome.

Permalink to Creative Density University Launches!

Creative Density University Launches!

by Craig Baute|on April 18, 2012 |in Coworking, Events |tagged , , , , |Leave a comment

We are very excited to announce that Creative Density will be offering classes by top-notch and vetted instructors in the areas of design, business, and technology. Under the banner of Creative Density University (CDU) the courses are carefully selected to help modern professionals become well-rounded team members that have to wear many hats as an independent or working in a creative agency. The new course offerings is an important addition to Creative Density’s goal of becoming a hub of ideas for Denver with coworking during the day and inspiring courses in the evening.

Affordable and Accessible
In designing CDU we wanted to make it affordable and accessible to as many people as possible while being able to attract quality instructors. After many conversations with professors, lawyers, and successful entrepreneurs we designed a model

Designed to be affordable while attracting quality instructors.

based around simplicity called 30/90. For only $30 and in 90 minutes a student will be in an intimate classroom of 15 or less and learn a skill ranging from CSS to project management.  This will allow for busy professionals to take the courses without disrupting their work or family life at an affordable price point.

Quality Instructors
Everyone is not an expert. We all have learned this by going to Meetups that are inconsistent in quality or going to presentations that end being a sales pitch. All of CDU’s instructors are vetted and admired individuals in their field. At launch the courses will be taught by CU-Boulder professors of entrepreneurship, lawyers, members of Automattic (creators of WordPress), and local entrepreneurs that have proven their skill in the competitive marketplace. The quality of the instructors that have aligned with CDU is one of the most exciting parts about this launch and have set a very high bar for future classes.

It all starts on May 8th.
On May 8th we are launching with a very popular topic and intelligent instructor, Designing for WordPress by Kevin Conboy. In the following weeks students will be able to learn about SEO at an advanced and intermediate level, trends in UX design, the legal landscape of starting a business, how to pitch to investors, and about understanding the sales process.  Throughout the summer more classes will be added and longer form of classes will be experimented based on feedback from the students and the Denver community.

We are very excited and looking forward to working with all of the startups, freelancers, and businesses in Denver to make Creative Density the hub of ideas that we envisioned one year. The launch of Creative Density Univeristy is a big step and we look forward to meeting you at one of the upcoming courses.

If you have any questions about CDU, would like to purchase bulk team credits for your business, or have a topic suggestion please contact Craig.

May Classes

May 8th: Designing for WordPress
May 10: SEO: Beyond the Basics
May 15: What’s Hot Now: Top 5 trends in UX Design
May 16: Content Marketing Strategy
May 17: Law for Small Businesses
May 22: Perfecting the Pitch: What Every Investor Wants to See
May 24: CSS Frameworking
May 29: How to Really Use LinkedIn
May 31:Creativity in the Workspace


Permalink to Members get free coworking in downtown Boulder.

Members get free coworking in downtown Boulder.

by Craig Baute|on April 9, 2012 |in Coworking |tagged , , , , |Leave a comment

We are excited to announce that Creative Density members now get free coworking at Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall through a space exchange deal with Scrib. Scrib is an exciting new coworking space at 2060 North Broadway with many digital ad agencies, app startups, and innovative social enterprises making Scrib their HQ.

This new collaboration between front range coworking spaces means CD members get two free days each month at Scrib and vis-versa. In total CD members can travel to see clients or extend their vacation by working in Boulder or further north in downtown Fort Collins at Cohere with our space exchange program.

If you are looking to travel beyond Colorado then you take advantage of the Coworking Visa program that all CD members are automcatically part of. This allows for free coworking in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Paris, Sydney, and dozens of other cities throughout the world. The coworking community is very supportive of each other and we are proud to be part of the Coworking Visa..

Permalink to Video: How coworking is changing how and where we work

Video: How coworking is changing how and where we work

by Craig Baute|on March 14, 2012 |in Coworking, Video |tagged , |Leave a comment

This new coworking video premiered at the 2012 Global Coworking Conference in Austin.

Accelerated serendipity is the soul of coworking by creating a collaborative space where people come together to get things done, learn and share skills, and build relationships. These new work spaces help freelancers, startups, and remote workers be more productive and happier by breaking the isolation and shielding the distractions of working from home or the coffee house.

If you or your company is interested in trying coworking in Denver then contact Craig for a free day pass.

Permalink to Press Release: Coworking Space Ship lands in Denver

Press Release: Coworking Space Ship lands in Denver

by Craig Baute|on March 6, 2012 |in Coworking, Press Release |tagged , , , , |Leave a comment

Coworking Space Ship lands in Denver

Mini-conference explores booming global coworking movement

Denver, (March 5, 2012) –Not long ago, the word “coworking” was still unknown to most people. Today it needs little explanation. That’s because the number of coworking spaces around the world has exploded, attracting tens of thousands of independent workers who are looking for a collaborative place to do their jobs.

The dramatic growth of the coworking movement worldwide will be the topic of discussion at a mini-conference in Denver on March 13. The mini-conference, called the Coworking Space Ship, is organized by the coworking websites Deskwanted and Deskmag, along with the Creative Density, a dynamic Denver collaborative workspace.

The evening will feature talks from experts on the global collaborative work scene, as well as discussion about exciting developments within Colorado’s independent work movement, including a panel discussion with Craig Baute of Creative Density, John Wilker of Uncubed, Jennie Nevin of Green Spaces, and Jeff Donaldson of Scrib.

The coworking movement has been developing rapidly across the planet. The number of coworking spaces has been doubling worldwide since 2005, reaching 1300 last month, according to Deskmag’s Global Coworking Survey. Part of the driving force is no doubt the over 300,000,000 mobile workers worldwide, according to Foresster Research.

Carsten Foertsch, co-founder of Dskmag & Deskwanted will lead talks at the event, including an in-depth analysis of the Global Coworking Survey, the biggest and most detailed study of the trend. The survey contains lots of interesting facts about coworkers. For example, the survey found 38% of coworkers increase their income and 83% increase their productivity simply by moving from an isolated home office to a collaborative environment.

As well as global coworking issues, the event will consider issues important to the vibrant Denver collaborative work scene. Creative Density and other spaces would like to strengthen the local collaborative community by encouraging more interaction between the different coworking spaces. This event will be held in an unconference style, to ensure that all voices have a chance to be heard equally.

“It’s exciting that the number of coworkers in Denver has doubled in the past year. Coworking is changing the way people work by building a community of inspiration and support for Denver’s entrepreneurs and remote workers. It is one of many elements making Denver a vibrant place for entrepreneurs.”  Craig Baute of Creative Density

Denver is just one of ten cities that will be visited by the Coworking Space Ship, which is a traveling roadshow moving across the country.

“Deskwanted and Deskmag are absolutely ecstatic about the Coworking Space Ship tour. The energy behind the coworking movement is palpable. We are glad to be able to facilitate these meet-ups and support growth in collaborative working where we can.” said Julianne Becker, Deskmag/Deskwanted Community Manager.

The event is a chance to meet up with coworking enthusiasts and connect with the coworking community in Colorado. Attendance is free, but registration is required via  http://coworkingtour.com/index.php/cities/denver/.

Notes to the editor:

The Coworking Space Ship is being organized by Deskwanted, an online portal for collaborative workspaces worldwide. Deskwanted also produces Deskmag, the leading online news source about coworking. Both websites are based in Berlin, Germany, one of the world’s leading hubs of coworking.

Event: Coworking Space Ship (mini-conference, meet-up)

Date:  Tuesday 13 March, 7-10pm

Programme: 7-9pm presentations and unconference 9-10pm drinks

Venue: Creative Density, 1719 Emerson St., Denver, CO 80218

Cost: Free with registration

Registration: www.coworkingtour.com

Contact:

Julianne Becker

Community Manager, Deskwanted and Deskmag

+49 (0)157 847 995 42

julianne@deskwanted.com

Craig Baute
Creative Density
720-295-1798
Craig@densitycoworking.com

Permalink to Collaborative Consumption Emerges in Denver.

Collaborative Consumption Emerges in Denver.

by Craig Baute|on February 10, 2012 |in Coworking |tagged , , , , |1 Comment
The people of Denver are really starting to take advantage of collaborative consumption, and the effects can be seen on a daily basis. The red Denver B-cycles on the streets, the grey Toyota Yaris at stop lights, apartment dwellers planting in community city gardens, and coworkers filling seats at Creative Density are all signs of the growing trend in Denver. It will be exciting to see how this trend will continue in the coming years and change the way people interact with each other and products.

What is collaborative consumption?
Collaborative consumption is when a product is shared among a group of people versus being owned and used by a single individual. The intent is to reduce waste and to use items to their fullest potential by preventing needless idle time. The item is often owned and mantained by a company and is lent out, although their are websites that facilitate peer-to-peer sharing but so far are less popular.

How it works:

  • An organization purchases products and manages inventory and checkout
  • Members pay a low monthly or per-use fee to have access to the product
  • Members check out or reserve the product when needed and return it so another member can have access to it. Many items are usually available so lack of availability is not a strong concern.
  • The organization cleans and maintains returned items.

The benefits of collaborative consumption

  • Lower cost of ownership by having expenses shared among a group.
  • Higher quality of good. When cost and use is spread throughout a group the item must be of higher quality for durability and ease of use.
  • Lower risk. Instead of maintaining an item yourself it is kept functional by the company leading the organization.
  • Lower environmental impact. Instead of buying an item that is only used four or fives a year and thrown away each shared item is of higher quality, lasts longer, and constantly used.

Examples:

Online groups:

Look for a follow up post that describes how this trend could effect other industries.


Permalink to You don’t rent. You join.

You don’t rent. You join.

by Craig Baute|on January 30, 2012 |in Coworking |tagged , |1 Comment

At the start of the new year I started to get more interest in people making resolutions to get out of the house and get an office or join a coworking community. Since coworking is a new concept I always anticipate on explaining how coworking is more like a clubhouse to work versus an office that is rented. Some people get it and some people don’t.

You don’t rent.
Renting is a temporary transfer of ownership that just does not exists to the extent that people are familiar with in a traditional office space where a lease is signed. People don’t rent because there isn’t much to rent and claim their own since we share Wifi, printing, space, and ideas.

Coworking is a membership driven organization where members purchase a plan to join a community of like-minded freelancers and remote workers. Members simply purchase a monthly membership on a month-by-month basis that helps pay for the workspace that we all share.

You join.
Coworking is place of relationships versus property. Many coworking spaces do have permanent desks where members can bring a large monitor and decorate a desk but they are first and foremost joining a community of ideas. A coworking community brings people together to work side-by-side in which develops relationships, ignites ideas, and creates an environment of camaraderie. Yes, it’s a place to work but it’s also a place to belong.

Permalink to Large Tech Companies Save Money with Coworking

Large Tech Companies Save Money with Coworking

by Craig Baute|on January 26, 2012 |in Coworking, Press Release |tagged , , , , |Leave a comment
A new American Express Open Forum post surprised everyone outside of the big corporate world when they revealed that only 65% to 60% of office space is NOT being utilized by large technology companies like HP or Oracle. It is obvious that is a large waste of money because of utility cost, maintenance, cleaning, etc. but the story focused on why this is happening. According to American Express companies are reacting and saving around $10,000 per employee and increasing job loyalty by allowing workers to work remotely or in alternative work environments. Here are a few ways they are doing this.

 
Change Work Location: Coworking
Benefits:
  • Dramatically reduces size of campuses or eliminates the need for a campus all together
  • Team members gain new skills and perspective by working with outside workers
  • Encourages interaction between members
If employees are further from the corporate office then coworking spaces continues to grow as an alternative, especially for workers under the age of forty. The Open Forum article refers to Jellies or simply shared office spaces where several companies work under one roof but the coworking world has become the term that represents these two alternatives. Coworking spaces bring in people from different skill backgrounds and size of companies (freelancers, startups, Fortune 500 remote workers) to work side by side. This way of coworking creates a dynamic atmosphere where ideas are easily shared and productivity rises.

To help facilitate large companies that are interested in letting their employees work in coworking throughout the US LiquidSpace is developing partnerships to match the two parties under one agreement. HR and project managers may also contact a local coworking facility directly and they can be found on LooseCubes.com.

Change HQ Design: Desk Sharing / Office Hoteling / Drop-In
Benefits:
  • Reduce the need for large campuses and cut expenses
  • Encourages interaction between team members
  • Employees have a variety of work options

Companies are finding several new ways that allow employees to connect but work how they want. Many are reducing their campus size and having company operated open desk space like on a college campus or library where employees can come and work without having ownership of a specific desk. The employee may instead have a locker or cubby to store stuff for use when they are there. The employee is then free to work at home, coffee shop, or however they wish but they always a place to work and meet at campus.

Denver has campuses for many large tech firms like IBM, Oracle, Covidien Health, Brocade, Iron Mountain, Arrow Electronics, Yahoo, Google, and others. If you have worked with them or other large companies have you noticed any changes in the way they let their employees work?

Permalink to Member Minute: Tom Benway

Member Minute: Tom Benway

by Craig Baute|on January 10, 2012 |in Member Minute, Video |tagged , , |1 Comment

Tom Benway is a web designer and developer at Vector Defector. In our latest Member Minute Tom talks to Craig how the web is changing and moving in the form of apps throughout our home in the TV, computer, video game systems, tablets, and phones.

Black Dove Studios kindly produced the video.

Permalink to Worldwide Jelly Week 2012 is in Denver.

Worldwide Jelly Week 2012 is in Denver.

by Craig Baute|on January 9, 2012 |in Events |tagged , , |Leave a comment
It all started back in 2006 when two friends in New York got tired of working alone in their homes all day. Amit and Luke decided to start a website and invite friends and other freelancers into their home once a week to work and share ideas. It was a simple idea that got them featured on NPR, in the New York Post, and eventually was a leading force in the coworking movement as new Jelly groups were formed meeting in people’s homes and cafes in cities around the world.WorldWide Jelly Week Website
Video on the History of Jelly

During the week of January 16th Creative Density is celebrating WorldWide Jelly Week and is representing the Mile High City of Denver. Come and discover how being part of a jelly or coworking group makes working more fun and will make you more productive.

JellyWeek By the Numbers
148 Hosts
32 Countries
1000+ Awesome Jelly Peeps

Are you going to a Jelly?
#JellyWeek
@Jelly_Word
Facebook

Let Creative Density know your coming. Email here.

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Coworking Questions? Talk to Craig.

Craig Baute has been active in the coworking movement since 2009 and built two coworking communities during that time. He loves coworking, following trends, data, and international cultures. Contact him if you want help starting your coworking community.