Traditional networking events can be hit-or-miss. On one hand, the best connections form when people meet face to face. On the other, you usually don’t get enough time to make an impression, and they can feel quite forced.

In a survey published in the Harvard Business Review, 82% of people stated that using a shared office helped expand their professional network. 64% reported that their coworking workspace is the main provider of their business referrals. Additionally, 80% ask their shared coworking colleagues for help and advice.

There is no doubt that coworking office space offers a more natural way to network. You can be around professionals from different industries all day long, which can help grow more organic connections.

Read on and learn why it’s easier and often better to network in coworking spaces.

Why is networking important for businesses?

As a sole trader or a small business owner, your livelihood depends on getting new clients. While online advertising, social media, and PR help, nothing beats a personal connection.

People are more inclined to trust a person than a product. A survey from Great Business Schools found that 40% of leads were converted into new clients thanks to face-to-face interactions.

Networking is essential for all types of businesses. It can help you find professionals to join your company or investors for your startup. It can also help generate word-of-mouth.

With the growing popularity of shared workspaces, more people have started to understand that one of the great benefits of this type of workspace is networking.

Working from home does not provide this opportunity, nor does a traditional office. It’s much easier to build your business network in coworking spaces, thanks to a variety of like-minded people working from the same spot.

How can coworking help with networking?

The opportunities to find new connections in a shared office space are endless. Even people who find it hard to spark a conversation with a stranger can find success in expanding their network with coworking.

Plenty of opportunities

Every stage of your day in a coworking environment is a chance to talk to a new connection. It can be the person sitting next to you, the person by the coffee machine, or someone using the printer.

Shared spaces also tend to organise coworking events, which provide more possibilities for small talk.

With a large workspace for rent, you’ll have more chances to meet new people. However, a small one may feel more intimate and create more meaningful relationships.

Develop relationships

Remote workers with a coworking membership tend to come to the same space over a long period. This offers a chance to get to know a person and potentially develop a professional relationship.

You might get coffee together, go to lunches, or get drinks. While this is great for your social network, it’s even better for business. The more that people trust you, the more they’ll be willing to vouch for you with referrals.

Allows for easier connections

Coworking business centres encourage people to mingle. For instance, with hot desks, you can pick where you sit. This means that you can potentially meet a new person every day just by sitting next to them.

Most community workspaces have open spaces which encourage casual conversation. There are also break-out zones, sofas, and more cosy areas. There, people usually engage in lighter tasks, making it easier to start talking.

A productive environment

The fact that you can work, socialise, and network in the same place can double your efficiency. You don’t have to leave the office environment and seek events that interfere with your working day.

Moreover, the connections you make in a flexible coworking space can help you problem-solve. For example, if you have a bug on your website, one of your coworking colleagues might be able to assist. It’s a built-in hivemind.

Social facilities

The design of a coworking space business includes a variety of different social areas. All of which can help you meet and grow your network:

• Meeting rooms
• Shared kitchens
• Casual sitting areas with sofas
• Break-out areas (some might have a pool table, video games, or other joint activities)
• Cafe
• Reception area
• Gym
• Gardens and terraces

 

Networking events

Most coworking communities know that people sign up with the goal of networking. That’s why they often hold internal and external events to help them even further.

Some have a happy hour on Friday or a free pizza Thursday. Others bring in guest lecturers and hold free classes or game nights.

Most coworking spaces will have a calendar of social events, so you can see what’s coming up and choose what you’d like to attend.

Surround yourself with a like-minded community

Some coworking spaces are geared towards creative people. Others have a more corporate work environment with dedicated desks, which may appeal to accountants or lawyers.

If you choose a space that fits well into your industry and values, you’re more likely to find suitable business connections.

Provides a sense of belonging

Showing up to the same place every day with the same people creates a feeling of community.

Soon enough, the other coworking members from different professions will start to feel like your colleagues. But unlike the traditional office, these colleagues can contribute more to your network.

How does this compare to traditional networking opportunities?

Traditional networking events don’t allow for time to grow business relationships. You get a few minutes to deliver your elevator pitch, exchange business cards, and hope for the best.

Other networking opportunities can also feel forced. You could be messaging on LinkedIn for a coffee meeting or asking a client for an introduction.

Coworking spaces offer a lot less pressure. You can exchange a few words today and know that there’s time for deeper conversations in the future. You might chat without any intentions and find out that person can be of great help to you.

Tips for networking in a coworking space

You should always be proactive if you want to make the most out of networking in a coworking office.

Take the first step to speaking to people

Whenever you’re by the water cooler, in a break-out area, or just arriving in the morning, talk to people. Even if it’s simply saying hello and introducing yourself, it’s enough to break the ice.

Authenticity is key

Don’t start a conversation with the goal of networking. Instead, look at it as an opportunity to meet new people. If it leads to a business connection, then great. But people will respond to you better if you’re being friendly without a secret agenda.

Have lunch or breaks in a social, communal area

People love to chit-chat over food, so it’s a great way for you to get to know them. Instead of going out to lunches or eating at your desk, join in with others.

Attend and host events

Coworking events are a great place to mingle. People are not focused on their work as it’s the end of the day and are more open to conversations.

You can even offer to host your own events, such as a lecture or a masterclass, which will ensure people will talk to you.

Collaborate and share knowledge

If you overhear someone having a hard time with a task that is right in your field of expertise, offer to help them. That is bound to bring you closer.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask members around you for help. These interactions can lead to bigger collaborations in the future.

Coworking opportunities with Regus

While networking is a huge benefit of coworking spaces, this type of workspace can also help you with anything from productivity to creating a good business image.

When you sign up for Regus coworking spaces, you’re setting your business up for success from all angles. The shared space can help you find new clients, business partners and employees, or help develop new ideas.

No matter what your goals are, Regus coworking spaces can make networking an effortless part of your business strategy.