In this interview, we talk about:
Tony and his community, New Work Cities
how the coworking movement started around 2005
why you should show off with events, and not sell your space
In a world bursting with virtual meetings and remote work possibilities, there's a movement that stands out in its ability to bring people together. This movement is coworking, a concept where workspaces are shared to foster community and creativity. Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Tony Bacigalupo, a pioneer in the coworking world. He generously shared insights from his journey, shedding light on how coworking spaces are more than just places to work—they are hubs that inspire connection and innovation.
Discovering Coworking: A Chance Encounter
Tony's coworking story began unexpectedly back in 2005. After joking with his boss about working from home, Tony found himself part of an early shift from traditional offices to more flexible arrangements. This led him to the concept of coworking. Despite there being a few spaces offering shared environments, New York City had yet to embrace the coworking concept under its true essence—a community.
Creating Spaces: Building More Than Offices
At 25, without the backing of finances or extensive experience, Tony decided to create what New York City was missing—a real coworking space with a focus on community. Instead of just renting office space, he was on a mission to create a place where individuals could find their tribe and build connections.
He began by hosting community events, like happy hours and local meets, turning participation into a cornerstone of his approach. His emphasis was on gathering people and fostering interaction, rather than merely signing leases. The result? Authentic spaces where people wished to belong.
The Growth of a Global Movement
Coworking isn't just about local communities. It's a global phenomenon, sprouting from shared passions and the open-source ideals championed by early pioneers like Brad Neuberg, Tara Hunt, and Chris Messina. Tony engaged deeply with this global movement, connecting with other community builders through platforms like coworking.com.
The spirit of cooperation and the shared goal of creating inclusive environments transcended borders. Tony shared experiences and gained insights, which enhanced both his local ventures and the global coworking dialogue.
Lessons from the Coworking World
For anyone looking to dip their toes into coworking, Tony’s journey offers valuable lessons:
- Community First: Prioritize building a community before focusing on physical space. Gather people around shared interests.
- Be Inclusive: Engage potential members without pressure. Show them the benefits of coworking, not just the logistics.
- Local Actions, Global Impact: Start locally. Build a name and community impact, then share your story to inspire others globally.
- Authenticity Over Sales: Avoid the trap of becoming just another landlord. Promote genuine interactions and create a space people are drawn to for its culture, not just its office space.
Expanding Horizons: Beyond Coworking
Tony’s vision now includes fostering communities beyond traditional workspaces. While no longer managing a coworking space himself, he helps others do so. His focus is on combating isolation through civic participation and strengthening community bonds.
From hosting “New in Town” meet-ups to creating directories that link residents to local clubs and activities, his efforts highlight how local initiatives can have significant impacts.
Tony Bacigalupo’s journey is an inspiring testament to how coworking has evolved and its potential for building robust networks of creative, engaged individuals. It’s not just about having a place to work—it's about having a place to belong.
Whether you’re a coworking manager, a community builder, or someone passionate about remote work, remember: The heart of coworking lies in fostering genuine connections. Embrace creativity, share your initiatives, and watch your community flourish.
For those eager to explore more on coworking and join the vibrant discussions, visit coworking.com and connect with an ever-growing community of visionaries. Each step taken locally echoes globally, creating a tapestry of interconnected, thriving communities.
Speakers
Tony Bacigalupo
Tony has been working in the coworking industry since 2007. It first started in a living room in NYC, then he ended up managing his own, and now he helps others do the same.
New Work Cities is a community for coworking owners to help them plan, launch, and run their space in the best possible way. They offer a toolkit of resources, group video coaching calls, online discussion groups, and much more.
Reach out to Tony on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybacigalupo/
Check his community, New Work Cities, on their website:
https://nwc.co/3/
Check the coworking movement website:
https://coworking.com/
Fanny Marcoux
I’m your host and passionate about coworking, remote working, nomading, freelancing, and marketing. Many -ing in there.
During the day, I help ecommerce managers manage their Google Analytics and optimize for conversions.
I also post every day on LinkedIn, where you can follow me at:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannymarcoux/
