How Coworking Spaces Can Help with Networking

Traditional forms of networking can be hit or miss. On the one hand, networking events offer the chance to be in a room full of like-minded individuals that are open to connecting and furthering their careers. However, they can also seem forced, or you may feel like you don’t get enough time to make an impression on the people you’re engaging with. Not to mention that the idea of being thrown into a room full of strangers can be a daunting experience for many.

Enter the coworking space.

Over recent years, these hubs have gained immense popularity among professionals who are keen to be in a dynamic and collaborative work environment. They are catalysts for innovation, collaboration and networking opportunities. And the best part is, these connections are often made without you even realising!

In a survey conducted by Harvard Business Review, 82% of respondents stated that coworking has expanded their professional network, while 64% said their coworking network was now an important source of work and business referrals. Thanks to these coworking hubs, networking has never been easier.

Diverse Talent Pool

Coworking spaces bring people from all walks of life under one roof. As a result, they become hotspots for professionals looking to find potential collaborators, partners, or even employees. By working in such an environment, you can tap into a rich pool of expertise and knowledge – whether directly related to your industry or not, the opportunities to learn new things from new people are endless.

Networking Events

One of the biggest perks of using a coworking space is the opportunity to get involved with member events. Whether it’s a BBQ, a breakfast, a fitness class or many other activities in between, they are designed to facilitate connections amongst colleagues that might otherwise get overlooked. They are the perfect platform to build professional relationships and socialise with colleagues.

Plus, unlike external networking events, those held by coworking spaces can feel less forced. You are likely to be surrounded by people you have already met, even if it’s just in passing on your way back from the water fountain. They provide an opportunity for you to build those smaller relationships into bigger, more meaningful ones.

Professional Development

Alongside events, many coworking spaces also run workshops, seminars and training sessions on a variety of topics with entrepreneurs and industry professionals. These opportunities are not only great for expanding your own knowledge and skills, but they also give you the chance to grow your pool of connections – perhaps even further than those you’ve made internal to the coworking space. These opportunities will allow you to interact with speakers and trainers relevant to your industry, as well as meet any other new members who may have been drawn in by these occasions.

Collaborative Culture

Working within a community of like-minded individuals creates an environment where people are encouraged to help and support one another. As an entrepreneur, freelancer or remote worker, it can be easy to get stuck when hitting a project roadblock and feelings of isolation can creep in.

Coworking spaces provide a network of people to seek advice from and problem solve with. Should you want them to be, they can represent an opportunity to learn and grow is around every corner.

Serendipitous Encounters

As you interact with others within the coworking space – whether that’s over lunch in the café, grabbing a coffee from the kitchen, or simply bumping into someone in the corridor – you will find yourself striking up conversations about anything and everything. These spontaneous chats and unplanned interactions are often those that lead to creative breakthroughs and innovative solutions. Often these instances can help you stumble upon new perspectives or fresh insights.

The inclusive, vibrant and diverse environment of a coworking space is the ideal forum for cultivating innovation and nurturing valuable connections that can help fuel your success. At Adapt, there are plenty of ways to network, from our free monthly member events to striking up conversations across the Lounge.