Coworking Space Near Me

Are you looking for a Coworking Space near me in Peterborough. Perhaps you have been working from your home kitchen and bedroom for a period of time. Are you a start up business who have been operating from a dining room table.

While working from home has been the traditional definition of flexibility ( and has really come to the fore over the pandemic), coworking spaces are increasingly becoming the preferred choice, especially for entrepreneurs, start ups and employees who no longer travel to a corporate office.

Coworking spaces are the ‘workplaces of the future’ and combine the benefits of flexible working schedules with a more workplace / business-like environment. Combine this with the inherent ‘openness’ of these spaces, and you have the perfect environment for networking and collaboration.

However, to benefit the most from your coworking experience, it is very important to follow a few best practice coworking approaches.

What You Should Avoid Doing In A Coworking Space

Here are some suggestions of things you should possibly avoid to ensure a smooth experience in a coworking space.

1. Don’t Overdo The ‘Networking’

Fundamentally, coworking spaces are all about building professional networks and collaborating with people you wouldn’t have come across elsewhere. Importantly this doesn’t mean that you can make this the core purpose of choosing to work in a coworking space.

Remember this cardinal rule – Co-workers who misuse every second to push their business to everyone will be seen negatively. You cant and shouldn’t be in pitch mode on a permanent basis. You should go about the networking process in a refined / structured manner, carefully choosing the people you would like to build relationships

2. ‘Collaboration’

Collaboration and networking shouldn’t be your sole purpose of working in a co-working space. Equally not taking any of the opportunities offered by other co-workers is also not appropriate or wise. Shared coworking spaces work because the community genuinely grasps the meaning of collaboration.

Now there is an interesting quandary here, if you prefer your privacy and working out of a private space and like to network selectively. Coworking spaces can accommodate your requirements, however, avoid the ‘siloed’ approach if you are looking to make the most of the opportunities offered by such spaces.

A great way to initiate a possible collaboration is to make sure you try and help your co-workers solve specific problems, this very much applies to ‘networking’ as well!

3. Security, Privacy And Trust

In open coworking space near me, co-workers who are working on important tasks often wear ear plugs or headphones when deep in concentration or to showcase their unwillingness to talk. In these situations, it is important to respect your fellow co-worker’s need for space and avoid disturbing them .

If a co-worker gives you access to contact details or information (which could be their own or someone else’s), do not abuse it. A business card in your hand  or printed excel spreadsheet does not mean that you have permission to contact them or send out spam emails.

4. Be Social 🙂

If the coworking space holds a social event they are holding that event for you. Now I know that everybody is very busy and that diaries can change very last minute, but not showing up for these events means you miss out on great opportunities to legitimately build your network. You may either get to meet someone to collaborate with on a particular project or experienced mentors who the business hub coworking space provider brings in.

5. Work in your space 

One of the obvious benefits of coworking spaces is flexibility. You could have a new neighbour everyday if you are hot-desking in the coworking space. By being mindful of other peoples space and not entering it, you can ensure a smooth workplace experience, and also develop a fruitful relationship with the person sitting next to you! Always be conscientious of a co-worker’s physical space whilst working in a shared workspace.

We have all possible come across the “desk spreader” the person whose stationery (a very comprehensive set of rulers, staplers, folders, multi coloured pens & pencils etc), electronic devices , laptop, Chromebook, tablet , mobile etc spill over onto your neighbour’s desk.

This may seem to be a simple thing, but is often overlooked, and for some people is a major issue which could lead to unwanted animosity.

6. Time keeping

Many Coworking spaces offer meeting or conference rooms, that are available for co-workers use, so perfect for confidential discussions. These meeting rooms will be used by your co-workers too so it is important to stick to the time-frame decided for a particular session, and keep your co-workers informed in case of any delays. This can be all be managed by the coworking space manager and their support team.

7. Quiet please

Whilst the openness of coworking spaces promotes mingling it also means that open spaces can get noisy. The simple solution is to make sure that you are mindful of this. What you think is an acceptable noise level, may be far too noisy for your co-workers.

So if you are loud and enthusiastic take personal telephone calls away from the coworking space.

Types Of People You Will Encounter At A Coworking Space Near Me

We have looked at the things you should avoid doing in a coworking space, lets consider the different types of people you could come across

1. The Enthusiastic Networker

Know that one person who pops-up and seems to be everywhere? You turn around and there they are extending a hello? That’s the person we are talking about. The networkers love to introduce themselves and chat up people. Within the Peterborough business community there are a number of people who fit this profile.

Since coworking is all-about-collaborations, networkers are an undeniable asset. They are the first ones to get to know new community members and point people in the right direction when required. Note a good coworking space manager will also be able to perform this role.

2. Multitaskers.

This is the person with a mobile phones in each hand, a laptop in front ( with secondary screen) and a tablet device in view. They are the multitaskers.

These super-efficient people are to be found in every coworking space, and it is a wonder to watch them operating as they juggle so many things at the same time.

3. Workaholic.

These are the people who breathe, eat and sleep work. They can be recognised by the solemn face with furrowed brows and furiously typing fingers.

Their business always comes first, so the only time you see them take a break is either to visit the facilities or to gobble up a quick lunch. So if you want to catch up with these people its the kitchen or the toilets

4. Dracula.

These people prefer to work when the rest of the world is tucked in bed. This night owl is the person who waltzes into the coworking space around five in the afternoon, (as most people are leaving) gets dinner delivered and then stays till dawn begins to break.

These co-workers hate noise and disturbance so like to be at a desk when no one else is about. These co-workers need workplaces that are open 24×7 to cater to them.

5. Dreamers (aka Creatives).

For the dreamer, coworking is a source of inspiration. They can float into the coworking space near me and float out with no fixed workdays.  Graphic designers, authors, freelance writers or a consultant are typical dreamers.

The dreamer can be any creative person. These are the coworking members who don’t clock in every day, which makes the flexible membership of coworking perfect for them. The dreamers love lounging in the open areas or playing table football in the café area.

6. Fit Co-workers.

You will find a fitness enthusiast in every coworking space. These are the people ready to encourage you  into a yoga, zumba or workout in the shared workplace.

When you require a workout buddy or are looking for motivation to get on the healthy track, these are great individuals to have around. Even better if your coworking space has an onsite gym included within the package just like BBH

7. Supportive Mentors.

The encouraging and collaborative environment of coworking spaces is such that these co-workers are always ready to support others. From helping you find the right contact ( sharing their little black book details) to offering awesome real life experience, they help at every step.

8. The One Who Is Shy.

It seems counter intuitive but a lot of the people you can find working in a coworking space are shy, introverted individuals. You often find them with headphones on in order to protect their reserved nature. Interestingly you’ll never experience them approaching members first.

Coworking spaces are brimming with reclusive people as they enjoy the collaborative feel of shared workplaces as much as the next person.

Coworking Space near me

Each coworking area has its own rules. If you are new to a shared working place, get to know the policies and try to avoid things that might rub your co-workers the wrong way!

Contact Michelle Craig at Brightfield Business Hub on 01733 595885 or email Michelle Craig at arrange an appointment to see the wide range of coworking space at BBH. Click here to have all your coworking space near me questions answered.

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