Coworking spaces provide an environment to meet new people, work more effectively on your terms, and take your business or career to the next level. That means you migrate and sit wherever is available; you don’t own a permanent desk when you work out of hot desk solutions in Singapore. This allows you to interact with unique individuals daily. But making those small connections is only the first part, the next is how to turn those small connections into networking opportunities for you.
Here are some helpful tips for you to network better in coworking spaces:
- Say Hello and Smile
This might sound too simple: it works. A warm smile and a “Hi” can lead to good conversations. If you’re constantly wearing headphones or staring down at your laptop, others may get the impression that you don’t want to talk. Do not bury your eyes in a book, act approachable, try to make eye contact. Even just a brief chat can open the door to important conversations later.
- Use Common Areas Wisely
Many coworking spaces incorporate communal workspaces—coffee stations, lounges, dining tables, etc. These places are prime for meeting people. Rather than having lunch alone or getting a coffee in silence, start talking to the person next to you.
- Community Events or Workshops
The common thing about most coworking space hot desk solutions in Singapore is that they would host events such as workshops, Friday socials, or startup talks. They are gold mines for networking. Don’t sit them out; they join you even if it makes you shy. People come to these things expecting to meet other people, so it’s a much more conducive environment to strike up conversation and not feel awkward about it. Have your business card with you or have your LinkedIn app handy. You never know who is there a potential client, partner or friend.
- Be Curious About Others
Be truly interested in others, it is one of the most crucial ways of developing sound networking habits. Be inquisitive about their business, their goals or even where they like to grab lunch nearby. If you do the above, you will develop stronger, long-term connections.
- Help When You Can
People do remember those who have helped them. If someone is wrestling with the coffee machine or searching for a charging port, offer assistance. If someone is stuck on a task and you can offer advice, do so. These seemingly trivial acts of care are only the beginning of long conversations and trust. And it works both ways: when you assist someone today, they may help you tomorrow.
- Use Online Community Tools
Most coworking spaces have a Slack group, an app, or an internal message board. Don’t ignore it! This is a great place to promote yourself, what you do, and find fellow partners.
If you are a freelancer, you may even obtain jobs simply by answering someone looking for services. Just be nice, keep doing stuff, and your network will grow as much online as it does in person.
- Be Patient and Consistent
Don’t turn networking into a sprint. Building trust and a meaningful relationship takes time. You don’t have to speak to every single person in a day. Every time you play there, at least make an effort, even if it’s a different new person every week.
Conclusion
Finding a hot desk setup allows you to interact with a diverse profile of people, from freelancers and startups to corporates. With these simple, friendly tips, you can transform everyday coworking into a space teeming with opportunity, connection, and even new business.
Go for a coworking space that fosters a competent community if you want flexible and friendly hot desk solutions in Singapore. OflexCo is one of these spaces that provides a professional setting as well as opportunities to network and collaborate at all levels.
