Coworking spaces are perfect for meeting other employees from different industries and backgrounds.  Professional relationships can be built easily, ideas shared, and even new business opportunities discovered. Networking in a coworking space is often intimidating, but with a few smart tips, you can make the most of it.

This article provides ten effective tips to effectively network in a coworking space.

1. Be Open and Approachable

Keep in mind that you should make an effort to look friendly and welcoming. Smile, make eye contact, and greet other employees you come across. Showing a warm and open attitude encourages others to approach you and start a conversation. On top of that, doing simple gestures, like saying "hello" in the common areas or offering a friendly wave, can help break the ice and lead to interesting connections.

2. Use Common Areas

Some coworking spaces usually have shared areas like lounges or even cafes. These spaces are great places to casually bump into others and strike up conversations. Instead of sticking to your desk, spend some time in these areas, especially during coffee breaks or lunch hours. Additionally, you don’t have to force conversations, but being in these common areas increases your chances of meeting users naturally.

3. Participate in Community Events

Many coworking spaces host community events such as workshops or group activities. Participating in these events is an easy way to meet like-minded users. You can learn new skills, share ideas, and engage with others without the pressure of formal networking. Plus, take advantage of any events organized by the coworking space, as these spaces are designed to help members connect and build relationships.

4. Start Small Conversations

Take note that a great way to ease into networking is by starting small conversations with users around you. You don’t need to jump into a deep conversation right away. Start with light topics like the weather, a local event, or something related to work.

For example, you could ask, “What kind of project are you working on?” or “How do you find working here?” In coworking spaces, like the coworking space in Perth, these small chats can build familiarity and lay the foundation for future, more meaningful conversations.

5. Offer Your Help

One of the best ways to build connections is by offering help to other users. If you notice someone struggling with something that you know about, offer your assistance. Also, it could be as simple as lending a charger or sharing a tip on a useful tool.

When you offer genuine help, employees appreciate it, and it creates a positive impression. Furthermore, not only does this make you approachable, but it also shows that you are a supportive and valuable member of the community.

6. Share Your Expertise (Without Bragging)

If you have a particular skill or knowledge that could be helpful to others, share it casually. For example, if you’re a web developer and hear someone talking about website issues, you could offer some friendly advice or suggest a solution. Sharing your expertise should feel natural and not like self-promotion. When done sincerely, it can showcase your skills and even lead to potential collaborations or projects.

7. Join Coworking Groups or Online Communities

Lots of coworking spaces have groups or online communities where members can interact and stay connected. Don’t forget that these can include social media groups or forums where members share updates or ask questions.

Joining these groups helps you stay informed about what’s happening in the coworking community and can be another way to connect with users beyond face-to-face interactions. However, it also gives you the chance to learn more about other members’ interests and projects.

8. Follow Up and Stay in Touch

Always remember that if you have a good discussion with someone or make a new connection, make an effort to follow up. Send a quick email to other users to let them know you enjoyed the chat. Staying in touch shows that you’re interested in building a lasting connection. You could suggest meeting for coffee or simply check in occasionally to keep the relationship fresh.

9. Remain Genuine and Authentic

Since networking in coworking spaces is most effective when you are being authentic, you must be yourself. Others are more likely to connect with you when they sense your authenticity. It's important to connect with real individuals, not just to pretend or impress.

Focus on forming genuine relationships by showing true interest in others and being transparent about who you are and what you're working on. Authenticity plays a significant role in creating meaningful and lasting connections.

10. Attend Social Hours or Happy Hours

Numerous coworking spaces organize casual social hours or happy hours, providing an opportunity to meet others in a relaxed setting. Events like wine tastings, game nights, or even grabbing a beer at the end of the day help create a laid-back environment.

These occasions are perfect for loosening up and connecting with others outside of the work environment. Such informal events encourage natural conversations and foster a sense of community. Building relationships in this way can lead to lasting connections.

11. Respect the Boundaries

While networking and building connections, it’s important to respect personal space and boundaries. Not everyone may be open to casual conversations or socializing at all times. Pay attention to body language and cues that someone may need privacy or focus.

That is why by being mindful of other individuals’ needs and respecting their space, you can create a comfortable and respectful environment for all individuals involved. Also, this will enhance the quality of your connections and build trust over time.

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Connect, Learn, and Grow Together!

Making new contacts in coworking spaces is all about creating authentic, meaningful relationships. By being approachable, engaging in casual conversations, and participating in community events, you open up opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

Offering help, sharing expertise, and staying active in coworking groups or online communities further enhance your chances of building strong connections. Remember to stay genuine and follow up after initial interactions to maintain lasting relationships. Attending social hours can also provide relaxed settings to meet others, ensuring your networking efforts are both enjoyable and effective.

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