3 tips for the introvert to survive a new co-working space

Just like your first day at a new school, joining a new co-working space can turn into a daunting event that makes you want to run back to your bed and hide under the covers.

Okay, well maybe it’s not that extreme, but it’s still commonplace to feel nervous entering a new work environment, especially if you’re an introvert! To ease this transition, I sat down with Xnode’s community manager, Japser Gill, and gathered a few tips to help break the ice at your new co-working space.

Attend events

Most co-working spaces have a plethora of events that take place. Hosting these events provides the co-working community with expert advice, practical workshops, and fun social outings. They’re a popular attraction, and hosting consistent quality events can really elevate a co-working space to the next level. If you think about it, WeWork has practically built their brand by offering their members free beer.

However, what’s often lost is that the events are instrumental because they drive conversation and connections with the actual members of a co-working space. These events are a prime opportunity for my introverted brethren to break the ice with the other people in your space. Whether it’s over a drink or after an insightful talk, the common ground is already there! It might seem like it’s not worth it, but you never know when a conversation can spark a new idea or fruitful relationship.

Reach out to community managers

If you are looking for ways to get more involved but don’t know who you should talk to, reach out to your community managers and ask them who you might get along with or have similar businesses or interests with. The community managers spend a lot of time interacting with everyone in the space, and have a fairly good idea about who you might like to connect with when starting out.

Once the first couple of connections are made, it’s generally easier to make more connections in the space.

Relax

An open working space (typical design of most co-working locations) can prove to be the bane of an introvert’s existence, but you don’t have to let it be. Take breaks or book meeting rooms for yourself so you can get away from the noise if it becomes overwhelming. If you observe when there are downtimes and busy periods, you can plan accordingly and optimize your co-working experience.

It’s important to remember that sometimes, it’s easier to go for casual interaction over structured socialization. Go to after work events (see above), so you don’t feel bad about interrupting people while they might be busy at work. Most people go to co-working spaces for the combination of privacy and community, so there’s nothing wrong with taking that first step and creating a connection.