Coworking Space Networking – Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
A coworking space is the best place for a small business owner to be productive while staying connected to the real world. While it’s advisable to avoid isolating yourself in the name of productivity, you don’t want to chat everyone up or overshare either. The trick is to maintain a balance between staying productive and reaching out to others in the same space.
So how do you network and stay authentic when conversing with people in a coworking space? Here are some tips to keep up your sleeve for your next networking conversation.
1. Start Conversations
Networking in a coworking is often done more casually as compared to conventional networking. You may think of it as starting a conversation with a new coworker or someone at a coffee shop. Keep things simple and friendly to start rather than dive right into business networking mode. Start by greeting people when you enter the co-working space and don’t be so preoccupied that you can’t even say ‘hi’ when walking past others.
Whether you’re working from a Melbourne CBD coworking space or a serviced office in Singapore, being kind and interested in others will always win you, friends.
The coffee station is a great place to strike up a conversation. You can ask questions such as how long a member has been at the coworking space and what they do for a living. You want to have simple, engaging, friendly conversations without selling your services or pitching your business at every opportunity.
2. Share Important Information
One of the best ways to position yourself as a valuable person in your coworking space is to share relevant knowledge with others when you can. It’s best to do this warmly to avoid coming across as a “know-it-all.”
Keep an open mind, and share information that others can use to work better, improve productivity, or gain access to valuable resources (without revealing trade secrets).
Helping others will help you in the long run because other members won’t hold back when they have useful information to share.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
3. Make Practical Promotional Items
Get your name out there by branding as much as you can. For example, you can brand simple things such as pens, pencils, personal mugs, or Post-its. These are all daily essentials that people use no matter where they’re working.
Consider branding the items you use and keep on your desk, but move beyond these objects as well, branding a few extras that you can share with others when they’re in need. This is an easy way to promote your business without seeming pushy. You can even leave some of these items in the break room (if that’s allowed), so anyone can easily access what they need.
4. Offer a Work Swap
A benefit of having conversations with others in the co-working space is that you’ll quickly learn who you can help and who can help you. So when someone offers you a service, you may be able to trade something the other person might need.
For example, if you offer IT services, you can swap with someone who provides excellent written content. This approach is beneficial because it allows you to make the most of the connections available in your coworking space.
5. Put Your Passion on Display
People might object to your product or service, but you can overcome these objections by staying passionate about your offerings. Letting your passion shine through will attract others to you and help you build relationships that develop into something valuable.
Coworking spaces provide solid networking opportunities; if you network well, you can get a lot out of it. Remember to engage in friendly banter, brand useful items, make lasting connections, and look for opportunities to collaborate.
