Networking and Collaboration - Banyan Workspace

繁中

Start-ups and SMEs can find valuable support within a coworking space, leading to a positive impact on their long term success. The range of opportunities these spaces provide for networking, business opportunities, knowledge sharing and potential partnerships allow even the smallest businesses to reap the sort of benefits usually only found within larger organisations. Still not sure? Below, the team from Banyan Workspace share their experience of how a supportive coworking community can help young companies stay ahead of the game…

1. Building Relationships

Let’s start with the basics. Working in close physical proximity to others makes it easy to establish friendly relationships, something that’s especially important for small businesses. Conversations can be initiated on safe ground, from the prevailing weather or current events to your shared experiences within the coworking space. Such office friendships don’t just make for a more pleasant day at work; they’re an invaluable source of knowledge, experience and emotional support. Being able to ask for (or offer) help when needed, or celebrating small wins together when they are deserved, is something that coworking communities love to come together for.

2. Sharing All Amenities

Coworking spaces are deliberately designed to facilitate opportunities for communication. Pantries are usually the beating heart of the space, as you can always find someone hovering around the coffee machine or water dispenser. If you actively want to get to know your coworkers, take your laptop to the breakfast bar and you’ll soon find yourself making friends over a cappuccino or cookie. Similarly, those comfortable break-out spaces with armchairs and sofas are there to ensure a warm environment conducive to conversation and collaboration, a relaxing space where even introverted individuals can be confident and chatty.

3. Sharing Skill Sets

Because coworking spaces are a melting pot of different industries and specialisms, they are the ideal place to be based if you need assistance with something outside of your team’s area of expertise. Creatives and marketing gurus rub shoulders with financial analysts, tech wizards, insurance agents and accountants, generating a multitude of potential partners, clients or collaborators. Of course keep an eye on the notice boards or online platforms for requests for help, but it’s more likely the connections you make will be a by-product of the friendly relationships that develop naturally in the space.

4. Introductions and Referrals

The people who run your coworking space should know everyone who works there. Everyone on our team here at Banyan Workspace is always keen to connect companies who we think could help each other, so don’t be afraid of asking for advice. Independant, community-focused operators are particularly strong in this area, as they’re often more engaged with their clients’ businesses than larger chains. However, all professional operators should be able to assist with basic introductions. Coworkers will also get referrals from each other, taking advantage of the broader network of contacts that comes from working within a mutually-supportive community.

5. Formal Networking Events

Coworking spaces frequently host networking events that are specifically designed to help people engage with each other. The main point of difference between these and regular members’ socials is that they are more formalised, open to non-members and often include a presentation, topic of discussion or guest speaker. While it might seem intimidating to walk into a room of people you don’t know and introduce yourself and your business, remember that everyone else is in the same situation. Not only does it help you form new connections, but it’s the perfect opportunity to define and refine your business message succinctly amongst an actively engaged group of professionals.

6. Professional Development Events

Professional development programmes and workshops aimed specifically at supporting entrepreneurs are some of the most valuable opportunities provided by coworking spaces and we highly recommend you attend them. While it’s always beneficial to build your curiosity, broaden your knowledge and develop skills, they also provide a chance to connect with industry leaders and experts. Whether you are specifically looking for a mentor or simply want to benefit from a discussion with a more experienced professional, these are the events that you really want to clear space in your calendar for.

7. Community Support Activities

Participation in community outreach and activities is a crucial step towards establishing your own company’s culture and values. It’s no exaggeration to say these values are fundamental to your business’s very existence; ingrained in your business identity, reputation, direction, purpose, decision making, talent retention and more. Joining in with your workspace’s community support activities helps you to carve out time for something that can be overlooked in the often-frenetic start-up world. In addition, the structured format of an activity can often make it easier to interact with others while having fun and achieving a meaningful act, as well as introduce you to people who share similar values and interests.

In summary, working from a coworking space is one of the best ways to develop a strong community of professional friends, colleagues and collaborators, even for the most introverted amongst us. The industry is designed to maximise opportunities for conversation and relationship building, something that is highly valued by the companies that work within their walls.