Flexible workspaces are more than just facilities and amenities that enhance your working environment, they also enable opportunities to build meaningful connections and expand your professional network. Sam Mardon, Chief Customer Officer at Landmark Space, shares five tips for making the most of your workspace community.
Attend Community Events
Most coworking spaces and shared offices host regular community events – take advantage of these! Attending informal social gatherings, seminars, and workshops are a great way to meet fellow office-goers. Introduce yourself, start conversations, and make genuine connections. Collaboration brings positive opportunities for likeminded businesses, and you never know when you might need advice from a familiar face. Remember to exchange details or add new connections on LinkedIn so you can keep in touch. These events also offer a nice change of pace and a chance to expand your network.
Offer Your Services
Let your office neighbours know what you do and how you can help them. If you can provide value to those nearby, then you may gain a local client. What skills and knowledge can you share? Consider going door-to-door to introduce yourself or make professional fliers to place on communal bulletin boards. Offer special rates exclusive to your workspace community to encourage trying out your services. Helping others and building your reputation is a double-win and will give you a strong platform from which to obtain new clients.
Take Regular Breaks
Aside from enhancing productivity and wellbeing by taking regular breaks, stepping away from your desk to grab a coffee or a snack allows for opportunity to mingle in common areas. Water cooler chatter builds camaraderie and chances are you will come across the same people often enough to build connections and maximise your community presence.
Utilise All Spaces
Take stock of the full range of spaces provided in your flexible workplace. While private phone booths and workspaces built for solitary working ensure good concentration, moving to collaborative settings can improve creativity and offer a chance to chat with a fellow coworker about your ideas. Having an outside opinion at your fingertips is valuable. Using different environments will help you tackle various tasks as productively as possible.
Invite Your Office Neighbours to Visit
Show off your impressive workspace by inviting your office neighbours in to see your space. You may want to host an event of your own to get to know your workspace community and introduce your business to those around you. While many businesses enjoy complete privacy, opening your doors is a friendly way to draw others in and make your business ingrained as part of the community.
Implementing these tips will help you fully embrace your flexible workspace community. Maintaining an open, helpful mindset while actively engaging with friendly faces can lead to fruitful connections, more business, and greater career success.
