Coworking spaces are popular with entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, investors, etc. They attract a wide demographic. When survey respondents were asked where they would like to work other than their office, 42.6% responded that they would prefer a coworking space.
Source: Ergonomic Trends
One of the main reasons for the popularity of coworking spaces is the opportunity to network with other professionals. Walls between companies are broken down and chance encounters while waiting for the microwave to hear your lunch can lead to collaborations, new marketing campaigns, or even a new project.
That said, not everyone can network with ease. It’s okay to feel shy. But, the onus lies on you to find the best ways to connect with business owners in a Coworking space you want to work with. Here are a few ideas that should help.
💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282
5 Top Ways to Connect With Entrepreneurs in a Coworking Space
- Be An Active Community Member
- Smile, Make Eye Contact
- Change Your Desk
- Collaborate, Help Out
- Ask For Introductions
1. Be An Active Community Member
The number of professionals using coworking spaces is growing steadily. By 2024, it has been estimated that 5 million people will be using these spaces as their offices.
Source: What To Become
Every person who joins the space is a potential connection. To help you forge these connections, coworking spaces providers often hold events after work. It could be a game night, a potluck lunch, an idea pitch session, hackathon and so on. These are great opportunities to connect with other professionals and entrepreneurs in the coworking space. Hence, make sure you attend them. Even if you’re nor presenting an idea, listen to what the other people have to say and participate in discussions.
2. Smile, Make Eye Contact
Learning how to connect with entrepreneurs is all about making the right first impression. What you say isn’t as important as how you say it or what your body language and general appearance says.
Source: Express Adobe
To start with, always make sure you go to the office looking your best. Dress smartly in clean, ironed clothes and groom yourself well. When you pass someone in the corridor or ride up the elevator with a fellow member, smile, make eye contact and say hello. They will remember you and recognize you the next time your paths cross. It’s the first step to building a relationship.
3. Change Your Desk
Where you sit influences your networking opportunities. Coworking members can choose a fixed seat in the space or pick a seat at random depending on what they’re doing. Fixed seats are almost as popular as flexible seating.
Source: SlideShare
That said, being open to sitting at a different desk can be great for networking. On days when you don’t have a heavy to-do list, pick a seat at the shared desks in the center of the room. You never know who you may be sitting next to. If you’re lucky, it could be a mentor with valuable business tips or a potential collaborator.
4. Collaborate, Help Out
A chance to meet collaborators is often listed as one of the top coworking benefits. You don’t have to necessarily limit yourself to collaborating only with other people working in your company. The doors for collaborative partnerships are thrown wide open. This is a good way to network and can increase company sales and customer satisfaction ratings significantly.
Source: Zippia
Collaboration is a two-way street. So, if someone asks you for help, don’t hesitate to help out. Participate in brainstorming sessions, listen to what other members say about their challenges and ideate with them. Even if you don’t come up with a solution or have useful success tips, you would have spoken to someone new and made yourself known to them.
5. Ask For Introductions
Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for introductions. As a startup founder, know that the success of your entrepreneurial organization is partly dependent on your network. If you’re looking for a new graphic designer to work on your email template, ask people for recommendations.
If the person sitting next to you knows a person you want to speak to, ask for an introduction. Coworking members are usually helpful and will not hesitate to do so. Of course, don’t go overboard and piggyback on other people’s network. Whenever possible, return the favor.
💡 Are you looking for Coworking space in Gurgaon, Noida or Delhi?. We are just a call away.
Call now: 08999 828282
Finding A Coworking Space You Can Grow Your Network In
The type of network a coworking space helps you build is dependent on the type of members it attracts. Hence, before you sign a coworking lease, take a look at the space and the type of people working there. Some coworking spaces attract a niche group of professionals from one sector while others have a more diverse demographic. The latter is usually preferable.
If you are looking for a Coworking space in Delhi, Noida or Gurgaon, The Office Pass (TOP) has the largest network of 13 Coworking offices. These shared office spaces are set in prime locations, easily accessible and popular with freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote workers from SMEs as well as MNCs. The offices have an open floor plan and plenty of shared spaces that encourage networking. To know more, reach out to us at 08999 828282.
