Virtual Coworking

Not finding time to complete your important OmniFocus actions and projects? Join us for Virtual Coworking sessions and get things done in a focused and supportive virtual environment.

Virtual Coworking sessions give you the opportunity to engage in focused work with the encouragement and support of people in your worldwide Learn OmniFocus community.

By registering for these sessions, you’re committing to spending time on the important actions and projects that you’ve articulated in OmniFocus. Being in a virtual room where others have the same commitment can lead to highly productive outcomes and a deep sense of satisfaction.

How It Works

When you register for a session, you’ll be sent a Zoom link by email and prompted to add the session to your calendar. Please plan to arrive at least a couple of minutes before the start time to make sure that your camera and microphone are working. You’re welcome to arrive on the virtual scene up to ten minutes before the start time for an informal chat with other participants. Each session will also be kept open for ten minutes after the end time for informal sharing.

The format of a typical session is as follows:

Please note that the specific times are approximate and subject to change to meet the group’s needs.

How to Register

How to Prepare

To get the most out of your Virtual Coworking session, we recommend doing the following ahead of time:

1. Block off at least 15 minutes in your calendar before the coworking session. This will give you some buffer time if your previous meeting or activity takes longer than expected. If you have some extra time to spare, you can join the Virtual Coworking session up to ten minutes before the start time.
2. Decide what you want to focus on before joining the Virtual Coworking session. You could add a tag such as “focus” or “coworking” to actions you’d like to complete during this time so that you can easily call upon them when it’s time to focus.
3. Join from an environment that’s conducive to focus and free from interruption. If you’re sharing a space at home or work, let people in your environment know that you’ll be joining a Virtual Coworking session and ask that they not interrupt you unless it’s urgent.
4. Put your devices into “Do Not Disturb” mode so that you’re not interrupted by non-essential interruptions while doing focused work. Better yet, if you’re running iOS/iPadOS 15 or macOS 12 Monterey or later, consider creating your own “Virtual Coworking” Focus mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Learn OmniFocus Virtual Coworking sessions. You’re welcome to contact us if further clarification is needed or if you have any questions not covered in this FAQ.

How is this different from simply blocking off time in my calendar?

While blocking off time on your calendar to get work done can be very helpful, it’s all too easy to blow off meetings with yourself. When you schedule a Virtual Coworking session, you’re committing to an appointment that includes others who want to move the needle on their work. Committing to this time more formally, combined with seeing and interacting with other people doing focused work, produces highly productive results.

Will I have the opportunity to ask questions about OmniFocus?

While the facilitator may sprinkle in a few OmniFocus tips and best practices, these sessions are not where to get help with OmniFocus and complementary apps. Instead, they’re focused on completing actions and projects you articulated in OmniFocus. If you’d like help with OmniFocus, consider joining one or more of our Learn OmniFocus Office Hours sessions or booking some Private OmniFocus Coaching and Consulting sessions with Learn OmniFocus Founder, Tim Stringer.

How much interaction will there be?

Approximately 75 minutes will be spent doing focused work, with the remaining 15 minutes spent interacting with other participants in small groups (3-4 people). You’re also welcome to join the call ten minutes before the start time and to stick around for up to ten minutes after the time is up for some informational interactions with other participants.

Why do I need to keep my camera on throughout the session?

We aim to make these as much like an in-person session as possible, even though participants will often be thousands of miles apart. Seeing each other creates a sense of community and encourages focus. If your main computer doesn’t have a webcam, consider joining using a secondary device such as an iPhone or an iPad.

Who Will be facilitating these sessions?

Initially, all sessions will be facilitated by Learn OmniFocus Founder, Tim Stringer. In the future, we plan to have other facilitators and may even provide Virtual Coworking in languages other than English. Let us know if you’re interested in being a facilitator and what language(s) you speak fluently.

What if I register for a session and realize I can’t make it?

No problem. Click the Cancel button at the bottom of your registration confirmation or reminder email to indicate that you won’t be able to attend. Your spot will be made available to another Learn OmniFocus Member.

What if I can make it, but I’m going to be late?

It’s important that you arrive on time for these sessions. This helps ensure everyone has a positive, focused experience and encourages discipline. If you’re not going to be able to make it on time, please cancel or reschedule your session by clicking the “Cancel” or “Reschedule” button. These buttons are at the bottom of your confirmation or reminder emails.

Am I expected to stay for the full session?

Please plan to be there for the full 90-minute session. Being present represents a commitment to both yourself and your small accountability group. Please choose a different day and time if you’re not confident you can attend the full session.

Can I ask people in my group for advice?

The check-in sessions with your group will be kept short to maximize the amount of time you have to spend on your work. As such, there won’t be opportunities for getting advice or discussing your work. Instead, you’ll share what you’ll be working on at the beginning of the Virtual Coworking session and provide quick updates to your group as you progress through the process. If you’d like to get advice related to OmniFocus, our small-group (maximum ten people) Office Hours sessions are a great option.