Dont Network! Cowork instead
Why everyone needs a coworking space thats for them.
I joined a coworking space in 2013, and six months later, the community helped me raise nearly half a million pounds in funding to launch my first business, ShoDeck. I always knew networking was powerful and could be the difference when starting something as challenging as a new business. The problem is that I hated "networking", especially the old-school kind where I feel stuck in a room where nametags compete for attention. I am navigating a sea of bland conversations and questionable fashion choices. I remember the days I'd find myself cornered by someone determined to share their entire life story in 30 minutes, and I'm trying to dodge business cards like a pro; I am looking for a swift escape and vowing never to attend another "networking event" unless there's free food, good wine or hot girls. Lol!
"Your net worth is your network."
For me, new connections are as important as financial capital when creating something new; social capital directly impacts your likelihood of success.
The problem is most generic networking events I go to where there is no other agenda, but facilitating "networking" is often a complete waste of my time. On the other hand, coworking makes me more productive, while networking happens organically in the background. It's the perfect networking hack because it doesn't feel forced; it's a completely organic way to enable meaningful connections with new people. Coworking allows you to connect with like-minded people through in-person events, online platforms, social media and other ways that help you expand your contacts, build your reputation, and enhance your career or business prospects.
You are more likely to build a billion-dollar tech company in San Francisco because of the network there. You are more likely to meet other mums by taking your kids to nursery school, etc., and you are more likely to grow your professional prospects through coworking.
What coworking does so well is bringing a community of people with the same interests and passions, which makes the connections happen naturally.
Imagine working at your ideal coworking space, called
"coworking for X"
where X is your passion, interest, or what you care most about. Imagine who you would meet. Who you would become and how much fun it would be.
Here are a few of my favourite new coworking spaces built around a passion.
Coworking for Sustainable Living: A coworking space for individuals passionate about sustainable living, eco-friendly practices, and environmental conservation. Members could collaborate on green projects, share resources for sustainable living, and host workshops on eco-friendly initiatives.
Coworking for Adventure Travel: Coworking space for digital nomads and travel enthusiasts who are passionate about exploring the world. Members could share travel tips, plan group trips, and collaborate on travel-related projects such as travel blogging or photography.
Coworking for Mindfulness and Meditation: A coworking space focused on mindfulness, meditation, and holistic wellness. Members could participate in guided meditation sessions, mindfulness workshops, and wellness retreats, creating a supportive community for mental and emotional well-being.
Coworking for DIY and Maker Culture: Coworking space for DIY enthusiasts, makers, and tinkerers. Members could have access to tools and equipment for woodworking, electronics, and crafts, as well as collaborate on maker projects and share skills through workshops and maker fairs.
Coworking for Culinary Arts: A coworking space for food lovers, chefs, and culinary entrepreneurs. Members could have access to commercial kitchens, participate in cooking classes and food tastings, and collaborate on food-related projects such as recipe development or food photography.
Coworking for Urban Gardening: Coworking space for urban gardeners and sustainability enthusiasts. Members could share gardening tips, swap seeds and plants, and collaborate on community gardening projects such as rooftop gardens or urban farms.
Coworking for Fitness and Wellness: A coworking space for fitness enthusiasts, personal trainers, and wellness coaches. Members could have access to gym facilities, attend fitness classes and wellness workshops, and collaborate on health and fitness initiatives.
Coworking for Art and Creativity: Coworking space for artists, designers, and creatives. Members could have access to studio space, participate in art classes and creative workshops, and collaborate on art projects and exhibitions.
Coworking for Music and Performance Arts: A coworking space for musicians, performers, and music enthusiasts. Members could have access to rehearsal space and recording studios, participate in jam sessions and open mic nights, and collaborate on music projects and performances.
Coworking for Tech Innovation and Startups: Coworking space for tech entrepreneurs, developers, and innovators. Members could have access to prototyping labs, attend tech talks and startup workshops, and collaborate on tech projects and ventures.
Coworking for Social Impact and Community Development: A coworking space for social entrepreneurs, activists, and community organizers. Members could collaborate on social impact projects, attend workshops on community development and social change, and connect with nonprofits and social enterprises.
Coworking for Fashion and Design: Coworking space for fashion designers, stylists, and design enthusiasts. Members could have access to sewing machines and design tools, participate in fashion shows and design competitions, and collaborate on fashion projects and collections.
Coworking for Writing and Publishing: A coworking space for writers, authors, and publishing professionals. Members could have access to writing resources and editing services, participate in writing workshops and author talks, and collaborate on publishing projects such as anthologies or literary magazines.
Coworking for Language and Cultural Exchange: Coworking space for language learners, translators, and cultural enthusiasts. Members could participate in language exchange programs, attend cultural events and language workshops, and collaborate on multicultural projects and initiatives.
Coworking for Tech for Good: A coworking space for technologists and innovators dedicated to using technology for social good. Members could collaborate on projects aimed at addressing social and environmental challenges, attend tech-for-good hackathons and workshops, and connect with nonprofits and impact-driven startups.
Mine is Coworking for people who want to make an impact in Brixton. I love working with people who care about purpose just as much as profit, and I love Brixton, so I ran a coworking space about those two things. Impact Brixton now has hundreds of members, enabling thousands of meaningful connections in just a few years, from marriages, business partners, and investor relations to many more meaningful connections. We have created one of the coolest coworking spaces by fostering an authentic community that finds it natural to connect around three passions: Impact, Brixton, Dreams and entrepreneurship.
Gerald