Networking is one of the most important aspects of business. There aren’t many companies that can run with only one person helping out. Especially if you’re the owner of a business, meeting people can make your company not only bigger but better. Shaking hands with someone and having a short conversation, can lead to the partnership you need to push your company to the next level. Whether that means a new idea, your next round of funding, or the exposure you need to get your idea out of your head and into the homes of millions of americans, there is immense value in the people you come into contact with each day.

Coworking spaces provide a unique perk that working from home or renting a private office suite don’t: the opportunity to network with professional people from all walks of life and areas of expertise. While there are areas in coworking spaces especially designed to stay quiet and private for those intense deadline moments, there are also open spaces designed to encourage conversation and creativity. Taking advantage of those spaces could introduce you to so many people who you might not have had the chance to meet otherwise. One of those people might be your next:

...Collaborator

As mentioned before, the open design portions of coworking spaces encourage creativity. People sitting in these spaces are usually happy to talk with you about their business and background, or even the specific projects they’re working on. Chatting with the people you’re working with might open your mind to aspects of your business that are lacking, or could use an expert’s eye. This is a great opportunity to ask your coworking neighbors for their opinions, tips, or even to partner up with you on a project. Who knows, they might be the Wozniak to your Jobs, or vise versa.

...Employee

Some people who work from shared spaces are contract workers who aren’t currently employed by anyone, but have taken on side projects in the meantime. While some people prefer to work in this state, there are many contract workers who would happily accept a steady job if it was a good fit. If you’re looking for a new graphic designer, assistant, or any other employee to join your team, coworking spaces are great communities to look around in. This provides you a less formal way of getting to know someone before you interview them, or maybe even before you have the position available. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a position open up and know the exact person for the job right away? Filling your contact list with people from many different industries and departments is a great way to find future employees.

....Investor

Not all businesses are looking for investors, but if you are, you know that shaking hands and meeting business owners and people is a huge part of your search. Sharing your ideas and marketing yourself and your business to everyone you come into contact with is the best way to find the right investors for your company, and the more people you meet, the greater the likelihood that you’ll find them. Although coworking spaces are not meant for constant pitching and harassing people for investments, sharing and conversing about your business will widen the net you cast and perhaps lead you to your next round of funding.