WorkSmart Coworking and Meeting Space

Christy Alexander, the founder of WorkSmart, recently took the time to answer questions to shine a light on the opportunities and experiences of the shared workspace office model.

Q: What led you to start WorkSmart Coworking & Meeting Space?

A: Working as a remote professional in 2017, I was able to see that working from home wasn’t working. People were trying to run their business from a coffee shop, and it just wasn’t effective. They took a table as their “office” for hours and even held client meetings there. It’s unfair to the coffee shop and its customers, and it’s not a productive environment. I knew that business owners could be much more successful if they had a professional environment for client meetings. And even though they were in a public space, they still weren’t making real human connections.

Q: What made you want to open a business in Glens Falls?

A: I grew up here and I know it’s a great region with a lot of talent. So, my vision was to create a place where that talent and energy could come together - a place where people can build strong relationships and thrive. This kind of activity gives young people a reason to stay here and attracts economic investment to Glens Falls.

Q: What sets the membership model apart from the traditional office model?

A: Our membership model positions WorkSmart as more than just traditional office space or a desk. We provide everything members need like fast internet, utilities, office equipment and even furnishings so they can focus on their own growth. That growth doesn’t happen in a bubble though, so becoming a member gives you access to a talented community that can boost your success. In addition, there’s no need to waste time on long term lease negotiations or a protracted build out, and members can add space as their team grows or scale down with their business needs.

Q: How does WorkSmart promote cooperation between individuals and businesses?

A: WorkSmart was built with private office spaces and private meeting spaces, but it’s not like a traditional building full of divided office space. WorkSmart was intentionally designed with offices that enable visual connection with other people and common spaces where members can come together to share ideas and skills. We know that growing a business is hard; and, here, we support each other through challenges and celebrate our wins. It’s common to see members roll out the whiteboard to brainstorm ideas and troubleshoot a way around obstacles. For an entrepreneur, a quick whiteboard session like that can mean days of progress! This is the kind of activity that leads to authentic connections, new ideas and growth.

Q: What is the significance of being a Certified NYS Women-Owned Business?

A: The challenges women face in business are unique. I face them, too. The MWBE certification allows me to show women in this community that I understand their struggles and needs. New York’s MWBE certification requires a lengthy application process, and it can be particularly helpful to businesses that participate in government contracts.

Q: Tell me about your location: The First National Bank Building

A: I launched WorkSmart in 2018 in a smaller space in Glens Falls to determine whether the region would embrace the concept and to better understand customers’ needs. I found that we needed more and larger meeting rooms and private office spaces. The First National Bank building had been vacant for several years, and the original lobby offered WorkSmart the opportunity to expand and diversify our current product offering in a truly unique space. In addition, there is potential to expand as our membership grows and as our clients grow their businesses.

Q: Why should people working from home consider becoming a member?

A: If the pandemic has taught us anything it’s that humans need human interaction. We’ve all gotten used to working from home, BUT growing from home is really hard. Distractions make it unproductive, and it feels like we can never put the workday behind us. At home, we’re missing the “water cooler moments” where we swap stories and talk shop. The energy of the people around us has been proven to boost our productivity and our drive to push through challenges.

WorkSmart Coworking and Meeting Space has a variety of offerings to fit the way people work best. Members can access private offices, executive desks or coworking space to work remotely or run their businesses. We even offer meeting rooms for client meetings and larger spaces where teams come together for the kind of “magic” that’s only possible in person. I invite you to book a tour at WorkSmartGF.com.

Q: Where do you see WorkSmart Coworking and Meeting Space in 5 Years?

A: Over the next five years, we plan to expand our services to meet the needs of our members and the community. We envision an ongoing workshop series to help business owners get the tools, information, and mentorship they need to be successful. We will tap the talent in our region to continue to develop WorkSmart as a center of activity where small business owners, freelancers and startups can launch, grow and even fail successfully. I’d like to work in partnership with other local businesses and organizations to further stimulate growth and add to the vibrancy of our economy. We also see a real need for childcare, so I’m exploring options for providing that as an on-site solution for WorkSmart members.

I invite anyone interested to schedule a tour online at WorkSmartGF.com. To get more information about upcoming workshops, ongoing events and business opportunities people can subscribe to our bi-weekly updates by visiting WorkSmartGF.com. Stay connected by following us on social media where we share about our nonprofit coworking days and other opportunities to connect with the WorkSmart community.