Startups the word indicates starting afresh, testing waters to set a firm foot in the business. Startups are also synonymous with being ‘bootstrapped’ meaning spending cost is on a tight budget. Well, that explains it all. The spending is carefully watched as they have a long journey ahead before they break the ice and make profits. Coworking space has been a blessing in disguise for startups. Now, let’s take a look at how coworking spaces are aiding startups in saving their real estate costs but also helping in building a network.
Building Network
One of the big advantages of coworking space is the individuals who light up space. The coworking space attracts people from all paths of life. Freelancers, entrepreneurs, moving population like keen travelers who are working around the way use the facilities when required. The crowd using these workspaces are self-motivated and working hard to reach their goals. The individuals working can be architects, analysts, developers, or testers. The environment is charged up and the events and cafes are enough to bond with people working around. The relationships established over mutual respect can build camaraderie for life. There are high chances you might meet your future investor, vendor, or client working around you. Let’s take a look at how startups can build a network while in coworking spaces.
Conducting Workshops & Knowledge Sharing
Coworking spaces conduct workshops. Workshop with individuals working around in the same fields will create a space to share their knowledge. The scene will bring about people working in the same field together. It will not only break the ice but also an area that builds conversations around the topic. This leads to sharing of points of view with each other. This will aid in getting varied perspectives to the table without much effort. The shared time together around the topic of their passion will build a relationship amongst individuals.
The individuals working in the shared office space are the ones who are passionate about their work. If you show genuine curiosity to know what exactly they are doing will lead to an interesting conversation. Who knows? The person sharing the knowledge might be a client, vendor, or may just be opening the venue for new business opportunities.
The conducted workshops are related to the industry by people within the coworking space and also at times from outside the coworking space. At times, coworking spaces do conduct fun workshops for hardworking individuals to unwind, relax, and have mingle with each other.
Initiating the Conversation
A good morning wish, or a smile, a simple nod while taking coffee is all it takes to strike a conversation. Networking does not mean anything without a stimulating conversation. So, to hold the attention of the other person during a conversation is a necessity to build comradeship. Conversations are also the basis to build a network.
Getting your startup noted
There are many ways to get your startup noticed. Prominently used are social media to get noticed. But the small promotional materials like books, key-chains, or pens to coworkers on a new year or any other occasion will introduce your company name to others. This ensures they recall the name of the startup. Along with your association and work behind the startup they can be the reason to bring in your next client. This happens only when the individual knows you well on a personal level.
Passion
One thing that binds people together in coworking space is the passion for their work. Passion for one’s work builds curiosity in each other’s area of work. These relationships built on passion will go a long way. This alone can be a driving force in case of making sales, generating interest, and getting inquiry calls.
Work trade
Trading of goods has always been the basis for good relationships. Suppose an entrepreneur looking to launch his product might find a web developer to do his business website. There might be a freelancer using the coworking space who can assist in the website content. There might be instances when a startup can find a venture capitalist for its product/service.
Try to be a regular to events organized in the coworking space
Events at the coworking spaces can be an ice breaker to strike a conversation. Attending an event of a coworker will open up the areas of their passion and also give a peek into their work. This leads to discovering each other’s brand and the potential to generate business leads. Though it is challenging to be regular to events due to work deadlines, it is good to attend a few at least in a month to open up ways to build a friendship.
How iKeva can aid in building long-lasting relationships?
Networking brings people in various sectors together. A businessman or a startup needs people from all walks of life to come together to make it a success. Coworking space is an ideal place to get to know people and build a network. iKeva offers all the facilities required for individuals to work without hitches. iKeva has its shared office spaces in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. They have flexible pricing plans and also flexibility for their users to use the facility across the metros. Call them to know more.
