Here is some audio from an interview we did yesterday for an article that will be coming out about coworking. A group of us were answering questions and we decided to start recording half way in. It’s not complete and the audio is rough but it does answer some questions people have about coworking and how the community at the Candy Factory works.

Our future posts will be a lot more polished

The Candy Factory, Coworking in Lancaster April 2012 from anne kirby on Vimeo.

To download the audio file click here:

Candy Factory Podcast 1

“I agree, it’s hard not to become overwhelmed and frustrated in the process but I have found The Candy Factory to be a great outlet for my frustration. (not a cheap plug) Creatives (People) need to surround themselves with other creatives (People), it’s amazing the energy. So when you’re feeling overwhelmed you have someone to vent to who can in turn help you refocus or offer help. I think that’s one of the powers of coworking that not everyone understands, even some of our own members. You have to be open to it and the possibilities are endless.”

LIke our video on Vimeo and help us win the The Austin Global Coworking Unconference Conference video contest. We’ll like you forever!

A special Thank you to Wilkum Studios for creating this wonderful video for us. Steve, you’re the best.

Join us for a quick minute to hear, in song, some of the great things about coworking at The Candy Factory in Lancaster, PA. Happy Holidays.

Thanks to Matthew Lester Photography for stills used in the video.

Meghan Oakley-Henning

Response No. 3 -  Meghan Oakley-Henning
AmeriCorps Program Director at Pennsylvania Campus Compact

What do you love about coworking?
I worked from home for 3 years, and looking back, I was not a happy person. At the Candy Factory, I get dressed in the morning, see other people (who are also working!), separate work and home, and feel like I am a part of a community.

It sounds counterintiative, but at the Candy Factory, I feel more connected to people, but also get more done than ever before… I wake up excited for my day, the time flies by, and then I have trouble leaving (in a good way).

I have even recruited my husband to come too!
 

Favorite Candy?
Peanut M&Ms

What do you do in 25 words or less:
I direct two AmeriCorps programs for a state-wide organization of colleges committed to increasing student civic engagement and being better stewards of community resources.

Response No. 2 – Greg Yoder of Greg Yoder Graphic Design http://GregYoder.com

What do you love about coworking?

I love the creative energy, the networking, and the collaboration that happens here among the many different coworkers.

Favorite Candy?

 Anything that is chocolate and peanut butter

What do you do in 25 words or less:

 I do website design, branding and logo design, and print design for small businesses and non-profits.

Member Responses hang as signage in our lobby – photo by Royal Blue Publicity.

For our 1 Year Anniversary back in August we surveyed our members and asked them why they loved coworking.

Their responses were posted on the wall for the month of August and are now on permeant display in our lobby. Per some of your requests we’ll be sharing those responses over the next few weeks on FB and on our blog – Enjoy!

Bernadette Hill of Talent Tap

Response No. 1 – Bernadette Hill of Talent Tap

What do you love about coworking?
“I love the sense of community and support that you can’t find working alone in your own office. There’s a lot of opportunity to seek advice, counsel and expertise from your coworkers and help each other grow our businesses.

I love the fact that we can share in the responsibility to maintain a beautiful work space and enjoy an affordable place to work. We all can achieve more together than on being solo!”

Favorite Candy?

Peanut butter cups

What do you do in 25 words or less:

I help marketing and IT companies build great cultures by identifying and recruiting the right talent for their teams.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/439217_Lancaster-s-Candy-Factory-marks-first-year.html#ixzz1YRcFuBCM

Some have asked me why I would allow my competitors to know my secrets. I mean, that’s not good business, right? But that’s what I love about the coworking movement. We’re not about pitting each other against each other. We’re about supporting each other and sharing information. We have our community within our space, but we also have the support of the larger coworking community and movement.

No two coworking spaces are the same, and each has its own personality that draws people in. Sometimes it’s a great match and other times it’s not. That’s the nature of it. So having other spaces nearby or even in the same city isn’t always an issue due to the different crowd each might draw.

Consequently, I was happy to setup a time to meet this person and forwarded them info about the Coworking Wiki page and Google Group that have been an invaluable resource over the past year.

It’s a pleasure to watch how some of the people I’ve spoken with over the last year have gone on to open successful spaces like Hive 4A in Allentown; they are evolving all the time and offer a great space for the Allentown business community.

It’s the collaboration and support from other spaces and leaders within the coworking community and its members that keep this movement growing. It’s exciting to be a part of!

Cheers,

Anne Kirby
Founding Member
The Candy Factory :: Kinectiv