How to Network in Your Coworking Space Like a Pro?
Networking and connecting with people have undeniable value. Many seasoned entrepreneurs and industry titans consider networking key for gaining insight into your customer’s opinions and marketing their services and products successfully.
When entrepreneurs, each with their unique set of skills, work in tandem towards one goal in a coworking space, it presents excellent opportunities for networking.
When you strike up a conversation with other entrepreneurs you’re working with, it opens opportunities to foster relationships and connections. It also gives you a chance to learn from other people’s mistakes – an important concept that can hardly be overemphasized.
But networking can be tricky, and if you aren’t familiar with the process, you will make mistakes when you’re trying to communicate and network. Even if you do manage it, the connection might not be authentic but rather a bit forced. So how do you avoid that pitfall and network like a pro in your coworking space? Here are a few helpful tips that will teach you some practical ways to network.
Strike up conversation
Breaking the ice or initiating the conversation might sound a bit intimidating to some, but I can assure you that it’s integral to building connections. Take part in ongoing discussions or start one yourself. It will go a long way in getting to know your coworkers and getting the networking ball rolling.
There is one caveat, though.
Don’t pitch your business ideas before you’ve gotten to know your coworker personally. If you’re not genuinely interested in them, they’ll be able to tell. It’ll make you look pushy, and the connection you’re trying to foster would be a fleeting one. So instead of a more businessman-like tone, approach in a friendlier, more casual manner.
Learn from your coworkers
When you’re sharing your workspace with other people, you’ll likely end up bouncing ideas off each other. You’ll share what you’ve learned with others. You’ll trade ideas and knowledge, which can tremendously help enrich your own experience.
If you help your coworkers with their problems, they’ll help you when you require their assistance. Which, again, will help you learn from their experience.
Go to events
It’s not uncommon for companies to host in-house events. And those events aren’t limited to the networking kind either. You can attend foodie or sports events with your coworkers as well. When you participate in events hosted by your coworkers, you get a chance to strengthen your network and meet new people.
If you wish to host an event yourself, you can make use of office space rentals.
Online interaction
If you’ve been working from home for years and it has taken a toll on your social skills, consider going online to make the conversations you’d otherwise have to make in person. When your coworkers host discussions online, take part in them. Email them your business credentials and offer your assistance. If they consider it helpful, they’ll approach you in person when they see you in your coworking space.
Unlike traditional workspaces, a coworking space is conducive to networking. It provides a more laid-back and comfortable environment for building or strengthening your network.