6 Brilliant Ways to Make the Most of Your Co-Working Space
If you have already set up a hot desk, this post will give you some suggestions you may not have considered about how to make the most of your co-working space. Alternatively, if you’re sat alone in a private rented office, reviewing other possibilities, below is a tantalising taster of how this other option could bring you benefits.
Not every co-working space in Leeds offers identical services, but it’s worth taking into account that if you’re in the right place there are things you can do to enhance your business and its profile. Here are just 6 ways you can generate added value as a co-working occupant, all of which will elevate the image of your business.
1. Sharing Expertise
Whether you run a small company or represent a larger one based elsewhere in the country, working alone can feel isolating. Co-workers can alleviate this sensation by chatting with each other and even asking advice or sounding out new ideas.
Be a Giver!
You’re a specialist in what you do and each of the individuals around you has their own area of expertise. If you are willing to give a little of your time to advise others, it’s more than likely that they will reciprocate when you need them.
Building relationships in this way will develop mutual trust which in time, may lead to recommendations or collaborations.
2. Networking Opportunities
Being around motivated individuals gives you the chance to make new connections. These can often lead to rewarding introductions to prospects. Of course, you’re already probably making the most of those ‘water cooler’ moments. That’s when you’re stood around the water dispenser – or more likely, the kettle – chatting casually about your activities to other people also taking a break.
Here’s some slightly more structured ways you can introduce networking into your working practices.
3. Informal Networking Events
Some business centres, such as Carrwood Park invite all their residents, including co-workers to informal networking events. Usually, there’s an expert speaker presenting a topic with universal appeal plus time to meet other co-workers and building users. Recently, Jonny Ross of JRC gave a lunchtime talk on the subject of Brilliant Blogging Techniques.
4. Hold Your Own Session
With all the facilities on hand, as well as a ready audience of motivated contemporaries, you can even host your own networking event. Just think how much you will raise your profile and credibility by hiring a meeting room, booking a speaker and inviting all the other co-workers in the building. Increase the networking opportunities even further by encouraging them to bring a guest.
5. Regular Networking Events
Many office parks with large meeting rooms host weekly networking clubs which you can choose to join as a member. BNI hold weekly meetings in many locations across Leeds and the Yorkshire region, including one at Carrwood Park.
6. All the Available Services
This post covers some of the intangible benefits of a shared workspace. However, it wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t contain a reminder of the practical elements, from the friendly reception service to storing your belongings in a secure cupboard. Make sure you’re making the most of those too, by download our free e-book Your Co-Working Starter Pack. It’s a handy reminder of what’s on offer.