Alex Hillman answered one of the most frequently asked questions: How do you get members for your coworking community?

Mistake with Events

The number one way that spaces attempt to grow their community is by hosting events.  The hope is that once people get through the doors they would see what the space is all about and want to join.  Unfortunately, many spaces are finding that this is not the case.

The biggest mistake that people make when trying to bring members into their space is going straight for the transaction.  However, most people do not know what coworking is. In fact, coworking is something that you need to experience to understand and want.  Experiencing coworking is not simply being in the room. People need to experience the room with the community that they are potentially going to be a part of.  

Where to Find People

Rather than pressuring oneself to host as many events as possible, find places where people are already gathering.  Go to outside events to meet people and find out who they are, what they do, and how they think. There will most likely be at least one other person to whom can relate to you, someone who is working from home.  

Do not wait for them to come to you.  Go to them, not to sell coworking, but to participate in the community.  If you want people to join your community, you should be willing to show them how you yourself are participating in that community.  

There are many ways to interact with people outside of you space that facilitate meaningful conversations.  To bring those people into your space, make them feel welcome. Show them that it is a place where they will be able to expand their network and grow.