Coworking is a new concept, but a necessary concept thanks in part to the changing nature in how people work, operate, and interact with one another. Coworking simply involves working in a shared workspace where you’ll be rubbing shoulders with freelancers, contractors, and other work-from-home professionals. It allows you to work in an office-like setting, something which work-from-home professionals often crave after an extended period of time, alongside others doing the same.
It all comes down to this: you need to get to know the people that surround you in the coworking space. It’s easy to walk into the coworking space, put on your headphones, and ignore everyone, but then you wouldn’t be reaping the benefits that a coworking space provides.
Part of fitting into a coworking environment involves understanding how to interact with others in the coworking space. Cassidy North-Reist, author of The 5 Behaviors That Make You a Coworking Space Pro, has picked up some tips on how to work efficiently and effectively with others during her time as marking coordinator for Grind, a coworking space in Manhattan and Chicago. Here are four simple ways to become a coworking connoisseur in no time:
1. Don’t be Scared
You’ll be entering a space full of some of the best and brightest people in your city. Instead of being intimidated, use this as chance to get advice from the other coworkers, and to improve upon your weaknesses.
Remember that this is a coworking space, and you have the opportunity to learn from the people around you, much like they can learn from you. Assess your strengths and weaknesses, and see what you bring to the table that other people might find beneficial. Keep this in mind as you interact with people, use it to frame your conversations, and eventually you’ll be collaborating with everyone in no time.
2. Be Open Minded
Coworking spaces are driven by collaboration. While it’s important to stay focused on your goals and projects, which is why you’re in the coworking space in the first place, you should also remain open to advice, ideas, and opportunities that your coworkers provide.
Don’t put your guards up—park your ego at the door and be receptive to all ideas. The people that surround you in the coworking space are from varying industries, sectors, cities, have different educational backgrounds, and can impart valuable knowledge that helps you personally and professionally.
To take full advantage of the people and opportunities that coworking spaces have to offer, sit somewhere new everyday and talk to the people that surround you, or better yet, search for new coworking spaces and rotate between them every few weeks.
3. Get Help
The previous points talk about how other people in the coworking space can provide advice and guidance where needed. It’s important to note that these people won’t always be willing to help out of nowhere, and it’s up to you to ask for help when needed (and be prepared to help others when they come to you). Try to be as specific as possible with your request when asking for help, as it makes it easier for others to work with you and fulfill your request.
4. Get to Know Your Neighbour
It all comes down to this: you need to get to know the people that surround you in the coworking space. It’s easy to walk into the coworking space, put on your headphones, and ignore everyone, but then you wouldn’t be reaping the benefits that a coworking space provides.
A coworking space gives you easy access to meet and connect with new people in an open, informal manner. Go ahead and introduce yourself to as many people in the coworking space as you can—without being a distraction, and keeping in mind that others are trying to get work done—and make an effort to be open with everyone throughout the day. And once you’re comfortable with striking a conversation with those around you at the coworking space, take that confidence and start talking to people everywhere you go: networking events, coffee shops, and trains.