Working in a Coworking space affords a unique experience and the flexibility to act and carry yourself in a different manner than that of a traditional office space. The benefits to Coworking includes having a space to work within the hustle and bustle of some of the most flourishing hubs in the world at a highly-competitive price point. The benefits of understanding etiquette rules also affords you with the option to leave your desk at anytime to network, take advantages of extra services, and to connect with a unique social environment that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. However, this comes at a trade-off of your overall privacy, working without distractions, and working with complete strangers. That is why you need to understand and practice proper coworking office etiquette.
Take your time and build meaningful relationships
One of the upsides of a coworking space is close proximity to workers from different industries, who may one day end up lending a hand with legal advice or a new logo. But there’s a line between forging new friendships and shoving your business down someone’s throat.
Though lawyers, real estate agents and other members in professional services may end up being valuable connections for budding entrepreneurs, We suggests focusing on making genuine connections first and worrying about finding new clients later. While you might have access to someone’s contact information from a business card he or she put up in the space or via a member directory, don’t use this information to add emails to your mailing list. And, as always, if you receive permission to contact someone, ask how you can help or support that person before launching into your agenda.
The community manager is also the super connector, so if you’re looking to meet someone from a specific industry, to collaborate, to hire, or to be hired, the community manager is the No. 1 person you should talk to.
Don’t flake out on your coworkers
Just as happens with a gym, if you join and don’t show up, you’re not going to get what you need out of a coworking space. Show up to events. Go to member discussions. Ask how you can get more involved. When a person cancels a membership because he or she is “not getting enough out of the coworking space,” it’s often because the person didn’t show up and take advantage of what space has to offer.
Additionally, oftentimes, owners and managers of coworking space will make strategic introductions for you; this could be for business resources or trusted suppliers. Treat these relationships with care, as you’re building your reputation in the community. Being flaky or unreliable will hurt your reputation.
We are all here to help, ask a coworking neighbor
A lot of entrepreneurs hesitate to join a coworking space until they feel they have everything figured out. But by waiting, you’re missing out on all the benefits that come with being a part of a coworking community. According to a 2016 survey, again by Small Business Labs, coworking spaces make people feel less lonely. And, 89 percent of people in the survey said that they felt happier since joining a coworking community.
Coworking culture is all about socializing with your neighbors. In doing so, you gain a unique opportunity to learn about other projects, products and ideas. If you keep to yourself and rarely socialize, you’ll miss out on networking and learning opportunities that could benefit you in the future. Show interest in what your neighbors are working on and start conversing with them.
