My first internship wasn’t in a conventional office environment.
It was in a coworking space — the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto.
Over the course of the summer, I got to know many people in the coworking space and befriended a dozen at least.
I’ve been a huge fan of coworking spaces since then.
With so many different people from various backgrounds and industries all in one place, there are plenty of opportunities to chat and get to know someone new. And that’s especially valuable if you work remotely like I do and find it hard to make new friends.
Here’s how you can start conversations with fellow members without being awkward:
Get a hot desk and say hi to your neighbor
Talking with your hot desk neighbor can feel more casual — you’re sitting right beside each other, after all — and you have something in common to talk about: your respective careers/projects.
Here are a few questions you can consider asking:
- What’re you working on?
- How did you hear about this coworking space?
- How long have you been a member here?
(Make sure that they aren’t working when you approach them, obviously.)
Comment on the coworking space
This is a great conversation starter, because it doesn’t require much self-disclosure on their part, and it’s something that they can relate to right away.
For example, you could mention the great coffee at the coworking space or comment on the beautiful view from the window.
If you can’t think of anything off the top of your head, take a look around and see if you can spot something that will give you something to chat about.
Here are other specific ways to comment on your surroundings.
Compliment their work setup
Everyone takes pride in their personal work setup. And, as a study reveals, our brain loves compliments as much as monetary rewards.
Here’s what you could compliment them on:
- What laptop are they using? Do they have any interesting laptop stickers?
- Do they have a beverage beside them, if any?
- How about books? What books do they read?
- Do they have pictures of family and friends, or mementos from their travels?
Keep your compliment short and sweet. For example, “That’s a cool laptop!” or “That’s a lovely photo of you and your family”
If you find it a bit awkward to compliment someone, that’s OK — just make a comment instead.
Join coworking space events
If you find it hard to randomly strike up a conversation, try joining a coworking space event, where there’s a much clearer intent to connect.
Whether it’s learning about the newest industry trend or meeting fellow members, you will find it easier to connect with other people.
Here are two helpful resources to help you jump into conversations:
- Career conversation starters at professional events e.g. conferences
- 11 easy ways to talk to strangers at a conference
Ask them for advice
Coworking spaces are typically collaborative, since open-plan office design is the default, and coworking space managers do their best to help members connect with each other (which helps with member retention).
Once you’ve built some rapport with a fellow member, here are low-stress ways to approach them for advice.
First, ask if you could get their help. I’d say something like “could I get your help on something? Won’t take more than a minute”.
If they seem receptive, make the ask:
- I want to overcome [a specific challenge] – any books/courses/experts you would recommend learning from? No worries if nothing comes to mind.
- I’m looking for advice on [topic] – do you know any members I could talk to? If no one comes to mind, that’s totally OK – just thought I’d ask.
Notice how you make it easy for them to respond by a) being extremely specific b) asking for information only c) preemptively giving them a way out, if they have no idea.
(Some spaces even have free expert consulting or mentoring sessions — definitely take advantage of ’em if they are available.)
Ask them about their favorite coworking space
This is a great question to ask if you’re considering joining a coworking space or are looking for suggestions on other places to try out.
People love talking about their experiences, and you might even end up with a list of new places to check out.
Here are a few questions that you could ask:
- What do you think about this coworking space?
- What’s the best coworking space you’ve been to?
- Which coworking space have you been meaning to check out?
Other tips to make it easy to start a conversation
Request for a tour
Typically, the coworking space manager would show you around, so that you know what facilities they have.
Ask if they could introduce you to existing members, and provide a one-line introduction yourself beforehand: “This is [your name] and s/he is a [your job]”
Be a regular member
Go to the coworking space at a regular frequency, whether it’s daily, weekly, or even monthly.
The more you are around someone, the more familiar and likable you will find them. This is known as the proximity principle in psychology.
Share your knowledge generously
Remember what I said about free mentor or expert consulting? If you understand a topic on a deeper level than the average Joe/Jane, consider helping others out for free. You could also do an informal workshop, say a lunch-and-learn session.
Sharing your knowledge not only builds your reputation in the coworking space, it also helps you connect with others without having to approach them.
Host an event
This is another high-leverage way to get to know fellow coworking space members. Check out this list of coworking space event ideas for inspiration!