Ask any entrepreneur what helped them scale faster, and chances are you’ll hear one answer; networking. The right connections can open doors to new clients, lead to partnerships, and even bring in investors. But strong networks aren’t built through LinkedIn invites or business cards alone. You need to be around people who are ambitious, collaborative, […]
Ask any entrepreneur what helped them scale faster, and chances are you’ll hear one answer; networking. The right connections can open doors to new clients, lead to partnerships, and even bring in investors. But strong networks aren’t built through LinkedIn invites or business cards alone. You need to be around people who are ambitious, collaborative, and open to exchanging ideas. That’s where coworking spaces come in.
Coworking spaces are built for connection. They bring professionals from different backgrounds together under one roof without the stiff, transactional feel of old-school networking. But effective networking simply doesn’t equal the number of people you know.
As per a study published in the Journal of Business Research , the true value lies in the quality of your network. This means having access to people with diverse knowledge and skill sets is just as important as how many people you know. And coworking spaces offer precisely that.
In this article, we discuss in detail how you can use coworking networking to grow your business.
A coworking space is a shared office environment where individuals from different industries, companies, and professions work alongside one another. Unlike the traditional office, coworking spaces are built to be flexible, collaborative, and community-driven.
These spaces come equipped with various amenities, including-
But what makes coworking spaces even more valuable is the sense of community they create. Let’s say you run a marketing agency and work out of a coworking space. Here, you might find a web developer sitting next to you, an investor just a few desks over, and a content creator down the hall. This open, collaborative environment naturally sparks conversations, potential partnerships, and new opportunities that might not have been possible in a more traditional, isolated office.
Here are six easy ways to build strong connections through coworking networkingand grow your business.
Some of the best conversations start over coffee. Communal spaces like lounges, kitchens, or even hallways are perfect for casual interactions. These settings take the pressure off and make it easier to connect with someone over shared interests. Make it a habit to spend time in these spaces. Ask someone what they’re working on or share a challenge you’re facing. That quick chat could be the beginning of a strong business connection.
When new individuals or teams join the coworking space, take a moment to introduce yourself. A simple welcome or a helpful tip can create a strong first impression. New members often bring fresh perspectives and new skill sets. Reaching out early can lay the foundation for future collaborations or partnerships.
If you want to be known in the coworking community, don’t wait for others to notice you. Take the initiative to make opportunities for connection. You could:
For example, if you specialise in digital marketing, you could host a session on how to leverage social media platforms for business growth. This business growth tip not only helps raise your visibility but can also lead to new inquiries.
Make it a point to attend events organised by other members, even if they are outside your industry. This broadens your network and may introduce you to people who can contribute to your business’s growth. This is especially true if you run a B2B business, as people often prefer to work with those they’ve met and connected with earlier.
Another essential business growth tipis to be yourself. You don’t need to impress everyone. People can usually tell when someone’s putting on an act, and it rarely works in your favour. So, focus on honest conversations. Ask questions, listen carefully, and offer help if you can. The connections you build this way tend to be stronger and more likely to turn into something valuable.
After meeting someone, don’t let the connection fade. To nurture a professional relationship, follow up with purpose:
At GO – Garden Office Bermondsey, we provide an environment where collaboration is at the heart of everything.
Our fully serviced offices and flexible meeting rooms are complemented by comfortable breakout zones, offering the perfect environment for coworking networkingand idea-sharing. Whether you’re a startup, freelancer, or part of an established company, you’ll find a community that’s ready to connect and support one another.
Book a tour of GO – Garden Office Bermondsey today!
