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    Why Hospitality Matters in Coworking

    The collision of hospitality and coworking is evident as soon as a member walks in the door at Serendipity Labs. An experience coordinator occupies the front desk with a friendly greeting, an offer of coffee, and a professional first impression of the space, and the members that occupy it.

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    At first it might not seem like the two go hand-in-hand, but a deeper dive reveals a natural extension into a rapidly growing industry. Hoteliers have long been accommodating business travelers, but in a Hotel Business article, Serendipity Labs Founder & CEO John Arenas discusses the increasing mobility of today’s workforce and the desire to work when, where and how they want. Hospitality industry veterans also know how to deliver on experience.

    Creating and delivering a consistent, hospitality-driven experience is one of the key differentiators Serendipity Labs Director of Business Development Jessica Somerville sees for their franchise’s Columbus locations in Short North and Downtown. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, differentiation is key.

    “As soon as you walk in the door, your experience is more about how you feel and less about what we can sell you,” Somerville says.

    Serendipity Labs’ hospitality-focused approach to coworking is evident in everything from their sales cycle to members’ daily experiences.

    Serendipity Labs is focused on finding the best solution for its members – or potential members – a process that starts with an in-depth needs analysis. Sometimes Serendipity Labs might not be the right fit, something Somerville says they fully recognize, but options abound for businesses that do choose to make Serendipity Labs home base. Somerville adds they aren’t just focused on what a business needs right now, but what that enterprise will look like in the future.

    “That’s one of our great features, is we are able to flex and grow with a company as they do,” she says.

    Hospitality means thoroughness and convenience for new members. New members get an in-depth tour and refresher of the space’s capabilities. From building access to copier codes, everything is set up and ready to go so that a new member could theoretically be in the space and working within just 15 minutes.

    “It’s really nice for a company to come in and set up shop and know that they don’t have to think about some of the overhead expenses and experiences,” she says.

    The details of the space mirror a high-end hotel. The experience coordinator not only greets guests, but is a concierge-level assistant, offering more information about the city and surrounding amenities. They’re also there to get to know members’ likes and needs, and keep up the space’s professional appearance.

    The Lab Cafe area draws on the experience of a hotel lobby – a warm, inviting space were members can connect and enjoy a cup of coffee. It provides the opportunity to interact with other business owners and entrepreneurs – a reason many individuals seek out coworking spaces.

    With hands-on local owner-operators working out of Serendipity Labs locations, staff ensure a consistent standard of a hospitality in each member’s every day experience.

    This mutli-part sponsored series on co-working in Columbus is presented with paid support by Serendipity Labs.

    Serendipity Labs is introducing a network of inviting, inspirational members-only workplaces to Columbus, Ohio. We have combined state-of-the-art workplace design, technology, and security with the highest service level standards to deliver a consistent and peerless workplace experience.

    Our mission is to deliver an upscale, hospitality-based workplace experience that can serve as an extension for businesses and a home base for established, independent professionals.

    Learn more about coworking in Columbus, including Serendipity’s Downtown & Short North Locations in The Metropreneur’s Coworking & Creative Workspaces Guide.

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    Susan Post
    Susan Post
    Susan is the editor of The Metropreneur and associate editor of Columbus Underground, and also covers small business and entrepreneurial news and the food scene in Central Ohio.Susan holds a degree in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing from The Ohio State University. She sits on the board of the Central Ohio Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and loves coffee, whiskey, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
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