FAQs

What is coworking?
When people work together in a shared space, it is Coworking. We believe we have one of the best coworking enviroments and communities anywhere! See the wiki and google groups for more definitions and where the concept started. *Just so you know, as we were building the InSights Group, we didn’t know the term coworking existed. We built a space that we thought would be an awesome addition to the local community, and filled in the dots when we were done! 

The coworking space features both closed door by reservation desks, and the hot desk concept, which evolved in response to the changing needs of today’s flex-time economy and post-geographic professional workforce. A hot desk refers to many people of varying schedules with temporary physical occupation of a workstation.

Is it “co-working” or “coworking”?

Who is InSights for? What are some reasons for becoming a member?
Our members vary greatly from solopreneurs to small businesses and sales teams. Our members using the coworking space can are often freelancers, independent consultants and entrepreneurs. You’ll find a broader audience in our Organic Marketing Club, MasterMind Groups and Social Media Strategy classes.

Why do people join? We’ve gotten all kinds of answers. It’s lonely at home. I’m more productive when I focus on going to “work”. It cuts down on the distraction of the dog, or the kids. I love the positive energy. I love to bounce ideas off people. An so much more!

What are the membership options?
See the member center. Memberships can vary from a one day drop in to a yearly dedicated space, and everything in between.  All payment options welcome.

Contact us about membership, or just stop in to say hello and peek around the space. We want you to feel at home here, and would love to show you around. 

Do I have to be a member to use the meeting rooms?
No. Many individuals and small companies book a few hours to a full day. We recommend booking as soon as you know you might need a room. Members do get dibs on popular days and times, so consider membership, or at least, book early.

What is space at InSights like?

There are many rooms throughout the InSights space that can fit a variety of needs. Most importantly, you’ll find there are no cubicles, and most of the furniture moves pretty easily. We’ll have fun working on whatever accomodations our members may need.

What about storage?
Members are encouraged to travel lightly and bring what they need to work. Certain storage possibilities may be entertained upon request, but are limited. We encourage a “clutter-free” environment.

Are there computers and phones?
Yes, there is a member work area equipped with a computer, fax machine, copier that makes both black and white and color. We encourage you to be self equipped with a laptop and cell phone. Wireless internet is available throughout the building.

What if I need to take a private call?
You are here to work, and we expect that you’ll take calls. If you need some privacy, there are rooms available to close the door. Just be considerate to your fellow members, and for louder calls, to kindly grab a more private space. Any closed room that is unoccupied can be used temporarily for private calls.

A special note to you:

There is so much that could be said about the current economy or business climate in Michigan. Let me tell you a little secret. There is so much potential in the world right now, that with some creativity and tuning into what people are looking for, there is absolutely amazing and huge potential.

Small business can be attributed to be the backbone of America. Small business employs more people than big business, but that’s what usually gets the press. When a large company opens or closes, we hear. What happens when a small business opens? Typically no one hears about them until they begin to make some noise and get some recognition.

Enter: InSights Group. InSights Group was founded in January of 2008 as a place for business owners to get together for a sense of community, support, training, motivation, networking, and whatever else they could identify as a need or want for business success. So often people getting into business for themselves feel like an island, navigating the seas alone, guessing, and often not knowing where to turn for support or help.

Right now, in Brighton, MI, and across the country, individuals known as “Enthusiasts” who have been exposed to the InSights Group and philosophy are having such abundant success that you’d never know they may have once felt alone. With the comraderie and community, any individual or company looking for answers has an eager support community ready to help. The spirit of positive optimism and encouragement can be felt from the moment someone stops into the “clubhouse” in Brighton, MI, a converted 6,600 sq. ft. former warehouse that has been transformed into a warm eclectic mix of business and creative spaces designed to make people feel at home. The sense of excitement is in the air.

This is a place where someone shares with a MasterMind group the craziest, loftiest dream they could even imagine, and people turn to them and say they can do it, but the goal should probably be bigger, since they’ll be able to accomplish it so easily.  The encouragement and support helps people to have the most amazing ideas they could ever come up with, and then start thinking and strategizing at the next level. Of course there is always a shoulder available for the days when someone needs a little extra help or a push to keep going. Business does have it’s ups and downs.

The amazing energy of this supportive entrepreneur and business community extends to individuals who are in transition, seeking new opportunity, or even those who work for someone else. The group is inclusive rather than exclusive, and the common bond is that people are willing to join in the fun and help. This is the place where you will find a business strategy meeting that starts with a “reindeer game” or “duck duck goose” on the floor.  People may be surprised and a bit hesitant at first, but soon come to recognize the need to throw away the “traditional business box.” 

One member, who just celebrated her one year anniversary with the group, related the story of her first day at InSights. She was in for a business mixer and was too cool and self important to join in the game. She soon learned the secret to success and being open to the possibilities. This former corporate exectutive, turned small business owner, is now the first in line for every opportunity to get her feet wet. Literally. She wore full body paint when the group held a ladies night shopping and networking event featuring the characters from the Wizard of Oz and was the Tin Man from head to toe. Her business and non-profit foundation have benefited greatly from the group, and she attributes her personal success and motivation in a large part to the InSights Group community.

Companies from industries that are experiencing some economic slowdowns are also finding solutions with the InSights philosophies in social media. One dental office, who recently attended a two day media strategy setting boot camp expressed that they spent over $70,000 marketing a local dental office, and the marketing was not working, wishing they had understood the power of social media, even a little bit sooner. The potential exposure using social media, which has very minimal costs when done in house, has huge potential. Even more than the potential, for one dental industry consultant, is the renewed optimism and energy that is possible as a result of thinking bigger. In her case, the realization that using social media as the vehicle, she will soon be trading her knowlege for money and income, rather than her time, which used to be the necessary component to her business success. By adding elements to her website and a regular training subscription available on demand, she has created an income stream that can be utilized 24 hours a day.

The common sentiment from individuals who are learning about the InSights Group and new ways to interact in the business world are that everyone needs a group like this. The members are able to benefit from the insights (pun intended) provided by the InSights Group, and those from fellow members. Any event or meeting will boast individuals from industries across the board. From hi-tech computing and interface solutions, to multi-level marketing individuals, from consultants to construction workers, every individual is celebrated for their life’s experiences and attitudes. The support that is often needed, and life changing strategies, many times come from people outside the industries they support because of the ability to see past tradition and the way things have always been done.

To people who say they don’t have the time to become involved in a group, or in social media, those that know better will offer encouragement, but respect that it has to be an individuals decision at the right time. They will also explain that you don’t have time not to, as the numbers and results speak for themselves. From the screen printer who quoted tens of thousands of pieces of product to a national brand company, to the local cake creator who takes orders from around the world, the success stories here happen at the rate of at least one incredible success per day, per person.  Businesses are booming, small business owners are happy, and at least in this one part of the world, with the influence it shares, lives are happier because of this community.

There is no waiting period required to attain success. The time is now, and it starts with a decision. If you need help making the decision, support in striving for your goal, or a good kick in the pants to get started moving in a more productive direction, everyone here is here to help. The only pre-requisites are an open mind, and a desire to grow, or even a window that’s the tiniest bit open. The rest will sort itself out, and you will be amazed by the results.

What are you waiting for?

810-623-5839 is the number to call for the Enthusiast on Duty who can help to get you started.

With Hugs,
Sandi Maki
Co-Founder of the InSights Group