Collaborative Coworking – How To Network Effectively In Shared Office Space

 

The idea of networking and putting yourself out there can often be a daunting thought for entrepreneurs and business owners. You might be worried about saying the wrong thing, not saying enough or not looking knowledgable or professional. However, it’s important to remember that networking is really all about talking and being social. If you are a social person in your personal life, networking in a business context will come to you very naturally. On the other hand, if you are more introverted, it might take a little more work but it doesn’t have to be a miserable experience.

Networking, making new connections and communicating with those in your industry, is necessary to get ahead in business and something you need to take seriously to succeed in business. Collaborative coworking spaces are an amazing resource, not only for regular everyday office work but to broaden your network and make more connections. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind when using these spaces, in terms of what is acceptable and what isn’t.

Continue reading to learn how you can network effectively in shared office spaces and make meaningful connections to help your business to be more successful.

Show Respect

Coworking communities are often made up of a diverse group of international people and everyone in the space will have different expectations in terms of how they show respect for themselves and others. To be able to communicate effectively with the other people in the space, it’s important to be aware of these subtle differences. It’s crucial that you treat others as you would want to be treated. This means being aware of personal boundaries, cultural differences, and respecting people’s workspace. No one is going to like someone who invades their space without being invited, so show people respect by keeping the proper distance at the right times.

When you are working in a shared space, you need to make sure you clean up after yourself and that you are respectful of your surroundings, as well as the people you share the space with. Respect breeds more respect and your fellow coworkers will take note of your efforts and be more likely to connect with you when you reach out to try and connect.

Use Online Tools

Premium coworking spaces will have a huge online presence that you can tap into and take advantage of when it comes to building your network. Some of the larger providers have upwards of 50,000 members registered to their online community or social network. These big numbers mean more that there are more networking opportunities within these communities that can benefit your business.

You can utilise these communities to get advice on all things business related, to share your own knowledge, and even create opportunities for joint projects. Access to a global network of like-minded people can open up doors for an up and coming entrepreneurs to expand their reach and grow their business.

Be Friendly and Offer Help When Needed

Networking in business does not have to be an overly-complicated task. Essentially, you just need to be kind to those around you and engage with the people around you in a positive way. Saying hello or offering a hand with a simple task is a great icebreaker for potential networking opportunities. People will see that you are easy to approach and helpful and it will go a long way in helping your social standing in the coworking space. Never underestimate the power of a smile and always be friendly and helpful when you have the opportunity to do so.

Reach Out, Connect And Collaborate

One of the major benefits of a premium coworking space

is to bring people together in the business community, allowing them to work side-by-side and connect in a meaningful way. Networking opportunities in coworking space are abundant but you need to have the confidence to reach out and connect with those that you share the space with. It’s important that you do whatever you can to survive and grow in the business world as competition in the market place is as fierce as ever. Connecting with the right people can help you to find collaborations that can lead to your business thriving in the near future.

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