Coworking Uncovered: This Week in Coworking with Hector Kolonas

In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast we welcome back Hector Kolonas, the mastermind behind This Week in Coworking, a newsletter that has become an indispensable resource for the coworking community. We dive into Hector's journey, from his first encounter with coworking in Manchester to building a sustainable and impactful newsletter that connects coworking spaces and communities globally. Hector shares his insights on how coworking has evolved from niche spaces to essential parts of local economies and offers valuable advice for anyone looking to start and sustain a successful newsletter. This conversation is a must for coworking enthusiasts, community builders, and anyone interested in the future of workspaces.

Timeline Summary

• [00:00] - Emily introduces the podcast and shares details about a new cohort for community managers.

• [00:30] - Francesca from Virtual Headquarters discusses how they support coworking spaces across the UK and Europe.

• [01:00] - Bernie welcomes listeners and introduces Hector, the guest for this episode.

• [01:11] - Hector shares what he's known for and his goals, including his involvement with This Week in Coworkingand removing the hyphen in "coworking."

• [01:48] - Hector recounts his first experience with coworking in Manchester and how it led to his current work in the coworking industry.

• [04:27] - Discussion on the origins of This Week in Coworking, its growth, and the sustainability challenges faced along the way.

• [07:04] - Hector talks about different business models for newsletters and why he opted for a patron-based model rather than traditional sponsorships.

• [12:17] - Bernie and Hector discuss the importance of co-creating with brands and the benefits of a collaborative model in the coworking community.

• [16:59] - Hector shares advice for creating newsletters, focusing on sustainability, consistency, and writing for the reader's worst day.

• [23:28] - The debate over the hyphen in "coworking" and its implications for SEO and industry visibility.

• [28:13] - Hector discusses the role of coworking spaces in hyperlocal economies and their evolution into community hubs.

Detailed Episode Breakdown

1. Introduction and Special Offers:
   Emily opens the podcast with details about a new cohort for community builders, followed by Francesca explaining how Virtual Headquarters supports coworking spaces.

2. Hector’s Introduction and Early Days in Coworking:
   Hector shares his experience with coworking, starting from his time in Manchester and the significant role that economic crises played in shaping his involvement with coworking spaces.

3. The Birth and Growth of This Week in Coworking:
   Hector explains how his passion for coworking and storytelling led to the creation of This Week in Coworking, a newsletter that began with just six subscribers and has since become a key resource in the industry.

4. Challenges of Monetizing Newsletters:
   Hector and Bernie discuss the sustainability of newsletters, different business models, and why Hector chose a patron-based model over traditional sponsorships.

5. Tips for Aspiring Newsletter Creators:
   Hector offers practical advice for anyone looking to start a newsletter, emphasizing the importance of consistency, writing with empathy, and focusing on sustainability.

6. SEO and the Coworking Hyphen Debate:
   The conversation turns to the ongoing debate about the use of a hyphen in "coworking" and its impact on SEO. Hector provides data-driven insights into why removing the hyphen can improve discoverability - see the image below.

7. The Role of Coworking in Local Economies:
   The episode concludes with a discussion on how coworking spaces have become integral to local communities, especially in the post-COVID era.

   Why don’t you a hypen in the word coworking?

   Google trends shows how "coworking" search volume is exponentially higher than for "co-working" so you stand more chance of being found in search without the hypen.

   

   Links & Resources

• Subscribe to Hector’s This Week in Coworking Newsletter

• Hector’s Syncaroo saved Freddie’s Patch a ton of time and money.

• Coworking or Co-working How Do You Spell It?

• Jon Alexander’s Citizens

• London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp 17th September 2024

• Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

• Join the next Community Builder Cohort

• Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

• Save the date 15th May 2025, European Coworking Day

• Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

• Connect with Hector on LinkedIn

• Join the Virtual Headquarters Network here.

One more thing

Remember, the strength of our communities lies in our collective efforts and shared values.

Please rate, follow, share, and leave a review for the Coworking Values Podcast; it helps our show have an even greater impact.

It also helps people in the general public and your neighbourhood understand coworking, how it can benefit their local community, and how it can benefit them in building their careers, projects, and work.