Co-working spaces are natural environments for collaboration and can be a hotbed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups. Regularly working in a co-working environment can spark new and important connections that can benefit the individual and their company.
If you’ve recently started working at the FlexiHub co-working environment, or any other communal office space and the process of networking seems too daunting to bear then you’ve come to the right place. This article looks at ways you can make long-lasting connections with new people in your co-working environment.
Be interested
The easiest way to win friends and influence people is by showing interest – genuine interest – in the people around you as opposed to trying to get them interested in you.
It is easy and natural to talk about ourselves, but switching this around and talking/asking about others can help you make friends in the office.
Reach out for a favour
Showing gratitude for the small things people do can go a long way towards making friends in the office. Asking people to do something for you is a surprisingly simple way to build trust and connections. As Benjamin Franklin said, “He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.”
If you’ve forgotten something at home, reach out to the person next to you to ask if you can borrow theirs for a bit. This is also a great way to start a conversation and allows you to introduce yourself.
Ask for restaurant and café recommendations around the area
If you’re new to the communal office, using this tactic is a brilliant way to spark conversation. Eating is a universal experience that easily connects us all and feeling like you’ve learned about a person’s favourite secret coffee shop can easily fast-track the bonding moments.
Sometimes you need an extra bit of caffeine during the day. Ask the person next to you where they get their favourite vanilla latte and now you have a coffee buddy! How simple is that?
Be approachable
Whether it’s working opposite each other in a hot-desking environment or small talk in the kitchen when making coffee, there are numerous opportunities for meeting new people in a co-working space. Introduce yourself and remember names.
You could also ask for some feedback on whatever it is you are working on. Coming across as upbeat and engaging in positive interactions is an effective way to start the growth of a connection. But don’t overdo it! Organic connections are always better than forced ones.
Strengthen your connections and relationships
After the introductions and bouts of small talk, it is time to move to more meaningful conversations. Give it some time and allow these relationships to grow organically, nobody wants to seem eager or pushy. Do this by striking light conversation from time to time and then eventually ask them if they’d like to join you on your next coffee break.
Making new connections in a co-working space can be a bit challenging but can be of great benefit to you and your company. You never know if the person sitting next to you will be your next business partner. Get out of your comfort zone, both personally and professionally, and make the most of your co-working life!
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