In the dynamic world of coworking, communication isn’t just a tool—it’s the linchpin that holds everything together. Effective communication, whether within your team or with members and clients, is the secret sauce for coworking success. Let’s dive into the art of fostering connections, building relationships, and propelling growth through strategic communication.

The Power of Internal Communication

Internal communication is the heart of a thriving coworking community. It’s about creating a culture of openness, collaboration, and shared purpose among your team.

Start by sharing your coworking space’s vision, goals, and core values. Paint a vivid picture that everyone can rally around. Storytelling comes in handy here, weaving narratives that resonate on a personal level. Success stories and anecdotes aligning with your mission can forge stronger connections.

To keep the innovation fires burning, promote the free flow of ideas among your staff. Encourage brainstorming sessions and innovation contests. Take a page from Google’s playbook, where employees allocate 20% of their time to personal projects, leading to groundbreaking innovations like Gmail.

When choosing communication tools, consider your team’s preferences and needs. Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana can streamline collaboration. Consistency in tool usage is crucial; establish clear guidelines to avoid confusion.

Feedback is the lifeblood of improvement. Create a culture of two-way communication where every voice is heard. Implement channels for team members to express their thoughts, such as anonymous suggestion boxes or regular team meetings. Regular feedback, whether through surveys or one-on-one meetings, fuels continuous improvement.

Recognition and appreciation go a long way in boosting morale. A simple “thank you” can be a powerful motivator. In fact, 81% of employees work harder when their boss shows appreciation, according to a Glassdoor survey.

Crafting External Communication That Counts

External communication forms the bridge between your coworking space and its members and potential clients. Every interaction shapes perceptions and influences decisions.

Start by ensuring consistently positive in-person experiences. A welcoming atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and clear policies build trust. Studies reveal that 68% of customers leave because they perceive businesses don’t care about them. A warm smile, informative tours, and a clean, comfortable environment can make all the difference.

Strategic marketing is your ally in reaching a broader audience. Maintain an up-to-date online presence, ensuring your website reflects accurate contact information, hours, and offerings. Website design matters, as 94% of consumers cite it as a reason for mistrusting or rejecting a website. Multichannel communication through platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter enables engagement with diverse segments of your community. Share compelling stories and testimonials—authenticity is a trust-builder, with 86% of consumers considering it a key factor when deciding which brands to support.

Transparency and clarity are your best friends in external communication. Keep your messages clear, honest, and aligned with your coworking space’s values. Establish a central source for community updates, whether it’s a newsletter, a website section, or a community feed. Leverage technology for efficient message delivery; coworking management software and automation tools like MailChimp can be invaluable.

Fostering Member-to-Member Communication

Within your coworking community, fostering communication among members is the heartbeat of a vibrant workspace. Here’s how to encourage interaction and connection.

Provide conversation starters by organizing workshops, seminars, and networking events. These ignite conversations and create opportunities for members to connect. Sharing success stories within your community, perhaps through a bulletin board or a digital platform, inspires and fosters a sense of belonging.

Incorporate structure into your coworking space by ensuring new members feel welcomed and integrated. Assigning a ‘buddy’ or mentor to help newcomers get acquainted, introduce them to fellow members, and answer questions can significantly impact their retention. Consider daily stand-up meetings where members briefly share their goals or progress for the day; it fosters routine, provides a platform for connections, and enhances accountability.

Encourage social interaction through regular events like breakfast gatherings or themed gatherings. Design communal spaces thoughtfully, with comfortable seating, communal tables, and whiteboards that promote spontaneous collaboration. Technology can also play a role with a community directory within your coworking management system, allowing easy member-to-member communication.

In Conclusion

In the thriving world of coworking, the community is everything. Effective communication, whether internal, external or among members, is the cornerstone of success. Embrace these practices to nurture belonging, boost retention, and fuel organic growth within your coworking community. Great communities start with great conversations—a path to success as clear as day, engaging as a great conversation, and dependable as an old friend.

This article was originally published on the Coworking Smarts blog by andcards. For more insights on enhancing communication in a coworking space, check out their best practices.