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If you want to grow your business or career, networking is a great way to build those contacts. Networking can be online or in-person and coworking spaces are a great opportunity for meeting new people and often provide their own events specifically for this purpose. Coworking spaces are a lot more effective in providing networking opportunities than working from home or by yourself. Networking doesn’t require much extra time on top of what you’re already doing every day. However, networking does require some effort if you want to get the most out of it! Here are four tips for effective networking:
1. Form a Group of Like-Minded People.
Networking is a great way to meet people who can help collaborate on projects, give you advice and insights or offer you a new job. However, if you’re not careful with whom you network, there’s a good chance that your efforts will go nowhere. The best way to make sure that your networking efforts are successful is to surround yourself only with people who have similar interests and goals as you do—and this goes for both friends and potential employers. When these groups overlap, everyone benefits from increased opportunities for collaboration; sharing resources; working together on projects; and just generally making life easier than it would be otherwise. Coworking spaces put you in front of people who might have similar goals or are involved in similar industries as you, making it easier to network with like-minded people.
2. Ask for Advice, Not Favors.
When you ask someone for a favor, you’re putting them in a position where they may have to say no and possibly lose your friendship or business relationship. Asking for advice is less forward and invasive and makes the person feel good about helping you out rather than demanding their time.
When you do meet up, know which questions are best suited for each scenario:
- Do I want general career guidance?
- Am I looking for technical insight?
- Would it be better if this conversation happened over email/Skype instead of in person?
These types of considerations will help ensure that both parties walk away feeling satisfied with what just happened.
3. Attend Networking Events & Join Networking Groups Online.
Attending networking events and joining online groups are two of the best ways to start your networking journey. Find networking events in your area by checking out event calendars, going to websites like Meetup, attending local Chamber of Commerce meetings, reading magazines and newspapers, or searching online for more specific events that match your interests.
Once you’ve found an event, do some research on it before attending so you know what to expect. Is it formal or casual? Will there be food? Are there prizes or giveaways? How many people will be there? These are just some things to consider before committing time, energy, and money to an event. You should also be sure to take advantage of any materials provided at an event. Whether that’s a packet full of information about the group or simply a sign-in sheet for newcomers, these resources help you to learn about upcoming events so that you can plan for future attendance.
4. Try Coworking
You’ll find many coworking spaces that offer networking events to help you get to know other members and build your professional network. The more you attend these events and get out of the house, the more likely it is that new opportunities will come your way.
You’ll also have opportunities to meet people and network in coworking spaces naturally, which reduces the amount of time and effort you need to put in. Coworking spaces are full of business professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and freelancers that might be great connections to add to your network.
At Venture X, Networking & Coworking Go Hand in Hand
Networking is a great way to meet people who can help you grow your business or career. You don’t need a lot of time or money to do it effectively, but you do need some time, some knowledge, and a willingness to put yourself out there!
At Venture X co-working spaces, networking comes naturally as you interact with other coworkers in the office, café and lounge, or at shared desks. We also offer various events and parties to help you network on top of other great perks. Check out our website to learn more about our coworking community, locations, office space memberships, perks, and amenities. You can also book a tour of one of our locations to see the space for yourself!