Who is the ideal coworking space user?

So often we get the question, “Is co-working for me?” And the answer for just about everyone is YES!…but with a few caveats, as there are industries, business models, and personalities that lend themselves to our services more than others.

Startups

Due to the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of coworking spaces, they have become synonymous with the startup and freelancing worlds. Now, when you think “startup”, you may picture some over the top office building where everyone rides around on unicycles and sits in giant bean bag chairs, but most startups aren’t into blowing their cash like that and have to be very budget- conscious.

WHAT THEY LOVE: The energy, the vibe, the flexibility, and the cost!

Creatives

So much of the creative field is spent alone, and our creatives LOVE that they can meet others, get inspired, and most importantly build their networks without extra time spent away from their passion. Creatives thrive in co-working spaces where a simple conversation can spark a million ideas (not to mention be a solid defence against the dreaded writer’s/designer’s block.

WHAT THEY LOVE: The community, the networking, and the inspiration they get from the space!

Extroverts

Let’s face it sales gurus, hustlers, and business go-getters are often extroverts - and so often they’re stuck their homes or uncomfortable coffee shops trying to squeeze every drop of energy out of their day. Extroverts thrive on the energy in a room - even if there’s no one interacting with them at that moment. Just being around people is enough to keep their energy high and their productivity flowing all day. And with the flexibility of booking meetings rooms for sales & client meetings, you can say goodbye to coffee shops!

WHAT THEY LOVE: The network, the constant change, the rooms available, and the people!

Introverts

When you think “get in the zone” and you’re an introvert, surrounding yourself with a bunch of people isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, even introverts find a whole new level of productivity in our space. Need to pound out some solitary work? Slap on the headphones, and you’ll forget anyone is around (noise in our co-working spaces is kept to a minimum). Need to bounce an idea off someone? No need to pack everything up - your tribe is right there, with minimal effort needed…plus, you won’t have to go looking for networking opportunities since they’ll be right there, right in your comfort zone. Win-win!

WHAT THEY LOVE: Effortless (and unawkward) networking, quiet spaces, new levels of productivity!

The “five minutes to hang your jacket” trick – The key to Networking for Introverts

If we were to divide people into two broad personality traits, 60% would be extroverts, and the remaining 40% would be introverts.

For the outgoing 60%, the stream of holiday events is a platform for creating new connections, and getting a head start on business for the new year.

For the other 40%, networking can be a nightmare.

This nightmare is filled with people making small talk, asking you about current projects they don’t know much about, and making every effort possible to pull “unnecessary” connections out of thin air. HORRIBLE.

The description above comes from the perspective of an introvert. The truth is that these “unnecessary” connections are essential to business growth.

As an extrovert, that tends to act shy, I have collected some useful pointers.

• Bring a buddy!

You don’t always have to go at it alone – having a buddy can make large events much less intimidating.

• Smile

You don’t always have to initiate—but if you’re hiding against the wall with your arms crossed over your chest, you’re not giving off a very approachable vibe, either. So try to relax, smile, and look as warm and casual as you can – no one knows the difference between fake casual and real casual.

• Prepare

In your business, what is your current long- and short-term goals. Bring your attention away from how terrifying this crowd is and focus on what your intentions are for this event.

If you leave feeling like you have become closer to achieving your goals, the networking has paid off.

• The “five minutes to hang your jacket” trick

If introverts want to survive a night of networking, the hanging of your jacket is the MOST useful tool. Proceed slowly and confidently. If you pull the “five minutes to hang your jacket” trick off successfully, you’ll walk out this networking event hungry for more connections.     

When you arrive, slowly approach the coat hangers. The next 5 minutes will set the tone for the rest of the event.

• Be the hero: we all know that finding a hanger can sometimes be a task. Locate 2 hangers and wait until someone arrives. The most important part in this is that you smile and act like it is no big deal to be passing off this pre-located hanger. Introduce yourself!
• Make an important business call: this is a personal favorite. This gives you the opportunity to call someone that you’re willingly making conversation with, giving the illusion that you’re comfortable with being social. My father always appreciates these calls. Remember, wave and smile at people as they pass you.
• Look around: Keep an eye on the crowd. Who are the people you should be targeting? Pick one person and make it your goal to talk with them before you leave.
• Search jacket pockets: If you’re desperate to fill the time, look for something that you undoubtedly don’t have.

If introverts want to survive a night of networking, the hanging of your jacket is the MOST useful tool. Proceed slowly and confidently. If you pull the “five minutes to hang your jacket” trick off successfully, you’ll walk out this networking event hungry for more connections.