Working alongside like-minded colleagues who come from a variety of backgrounds and industries can foster organic connections that can significantly expand the horizons of your business. The rise of coworking facilities throughout the world and Australia, including shared space in North Sydney represents a valuable opportunity for emerging professionals and entrepreneurs to expand their network.
If you are new to the concept of communal working spaces, it can be tricky to settle into this new type of working environment. More still, it can be difficult to know how to leverage your time and your energy into making the most of working alongside a diverse group of intelligent and motivated people.
Let’s take a closer look at some specific tips and advice to help you navigate coworking spaces and get the most out of their networking potential.
Practice Good Coworking Etiquette
Following standards of etiquette in a coworking space are a sure way to open up networking opportunities. In many ways, etiquette in these environments is not substantially different than in a traditional office. However, if you have been working as a freelancer or as a lone wolf entrepreneur for some time now, it might be good to refresh your table manners in the workplace. For one, make sure to treat the office as a professional environment. Show up with good personal hygiene and remember that people are there primarily to get things done. Mind your volume in quiet working areas and save more extensive discussions for coffee breaks in lounge areas. Above all, using your common sense and treating others with respect will take you far in terms of behaving appropriately.
Collaborate And Create
The nature of coworking spaces inherently lends itself to organic opportunities for collaboration, networking, and small talk. Lounge areas found in premium coworking facilities are a great place to engage and interact with your colleagues. Let people know who you are and what your company is trying to accomplish. You are likely to find that many of your colleagues are interested in what you have to say and may even be actively interested in assisting you with your business goals. Make sure to reciprocate this interest and offer to collaborate on others’ projects as well. Being able to provide advice and insight into your coworkers’ questions can establish your reputation. This can provide your business with the connections it needs to expand and grow beyond your expectations.
Connect With Consistency
The best coworking spaces offer unparalleled options for staying connected with business relationships that you have forged anywhere in the world. From conventional office equipment such as facilities for photocopying, scanning, and printing to the ready availability of secure, high-speed internet connections, this infrastructure will keep you linked to your network from wherever your coworking space happens to be located.
Premium coworking facilities also offer around-the-clock IT support for troubleshooting any technical difficulties you might have during your workday. This will ensure that you can make any online appointments with new connections or new clients without having to worry about poor reception or faulty equipment.
The Community Is What You Make Of It
Ultimately, your ability to forge business connections in a coworking space will be a product of your effort and amicability. Take an interest in your colleagues and see them as potential collaborators for your projects. They may have extensive connections with professionals directly in your industry who could significantly open your business up to new opportunities. Enjoy your time surrounded by like-minded professionals and remember that you get out what you put into the community in a coworking space.
