Coworking is not just for artists and free thinkers. It's a revolutionary idea that is catching on with businesses of all sizes, especially startups. If you're a new entrepreneur looking for the guidance and support of others right out of the gate, coworking may be a great option for you.

What is Coworking?

Coworking is built around two philosophies--community and sustainability. Sharing a workspace with other like-minded individuals and groups allows small businesses to flourish. Nearly every major city has coworking spaces available for rent.

Spaces like WorkBar Boston offer several different membership levels to interested parties. In addition to amenities like wireless internet service, free coffee, water, and snacks, members are given the flexibility they need to complete projects, conduct meetings, and gain valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of business ownership.

Key Coworking Benefits

Here are some of the most notable benefits of sharing a workspace with others:

• Reduced overhead costs. In the early stages of most startups, keeping monthly expenses as low as possible is one of the top priorities. If you're looking for a place where the rent is low and the benefits are numerous, coworking is a very viable option.

• A feeling of belonging. Running a startup can be a very lonely experience, especially during difficult times. Coworking gives you an opportunity to network, collaborate, and meet new people going through the same things you are. Plus, you never know when you're going to run into a new customer or strategic partner.

• A built-in audience that you can bounce ideas off of. At any given time, it's likely that you'll be facing an important decision that could make-or-break the future of your company. Having a group of smart people around you, who are familiar with what you're doing, can ease the burden and help you make better decisions.

• Easy transition to other workspaces. Coworking let's a company be flexible with their working arrangements. Since most spaces only require month-to-month commitments, startups can transition into private office space or choose to leave whenever they like.

Coworking is hardly a new concept, but shared workspaces have seen a lot of growth over the last couple of years. And for good reason. Rather than being stuck with all the negatives associated with starting a business, new entrepreneurs can help carve their place in the world by joining forces with talented men and women looking for a better way to get things done.