My few years as a freelancer were anything but routine. I participated in conference calls in pajamas, and if I thought I could get away with it, while washing dishes or folding laundry. There were days when I would get through my email inbox and complete a project without getting out of bed.
Flexibility and freedom were definite perks, but there was also a downside. I found that I actually missed being around people. I missed face to face conversations that provided the energy that comes with immediate feedback, verbal and non-verbal; something that didn’t translate on a conference call or over a Skype chat.
In 2013, freelancers and entrepreneurs are more common than ever. The economic downturn of a few years ago forced and/or inspired many people to take a risk and go it alone, but the need for human interaction remains an issue.
But these days it’s about much more than just the energy that comes from a one on one or group in-person conversation, it’s about true collaboration. Tech and business entreprenuers, as well as creative types, are pursuing their individual dreams and passions while joining forces with others in a variety of collaborative ways that help support, build, streamline, and bring to fruition what was initially the idea of one individual.
For a community to prosper, its individual members must also prosper. They can in turn use their personal success and knowledge for the betterment of that community. But before those individuals can succeed, the community should provide a space in which they can work, learn, and come together to exchange ideas and work together. It is a circle where support and success breeds support and success.
Thanks to the efforts of Roberto Lopez of Futuro Studio, a Humboldt Park-based integrated online marketing agency, Humboldt Park will now have that kind of space.
Open Space will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday, beginning July 17th. Located on the 2nd floor event/conference center of Nellie’s Restaurant, it will provide tables, chairs, and wireless internet. It will be a collaborative space where individuals can meet local tech entrepreneurs and other interesting people with whom to talk, collaborate, and bounce ideas.
In addition to a place to work, there will be workshops offered in topics such as Android/iPhone Development, Social Media Marketing, Google AdWords, Business Development, and the Creative Arts.
Roberto, himself an entrepreneur, says of his desire to create a space in the Humboldt Park community, “Given the rapid pace of technology and the world, the way that we learn and work together is constantly changing. Because of this, there is a need for something different in local communities. Simple as that. A simple concept – a space that welcomes and inspires open collaboration among community residents with untapped tech skills and potential.”
Partnering with the 7-month old Blue1647 (formerly Cibola) a similar collaborative iniative in Pilsen, there will also be a Pilsen Open Space on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with workshops offered there as well.
Humboldt Park has an untapped talent pool, and technology may just lead the path to change.
For more information, visit www.localchicago.com or email info@localchicago.com.
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