Casual Co-Working
Expanding your professional network is not an easy task. I noticed that my professional network had basically reached a plateau. I am connected to everyone in my personal life and to my co-workers and some of their friends. I’m not really active in a church or other social organization, so I’m looking for new ways to meet people. I found that most cities have a “young professionals” group of some sort (just google that phrase + your city). Those a pretty good, but I found some things today that look especially promising. One is Jelly. This is basically an office that is open to anyone who wants to show up and work alongside other young professionals. I did some more searching and found similar services appearing all over the place. For example, here’s one for Manhattan.
I’m wondering if anyone has attended any of these and what they think of them. Are they useful, or is it just a bunch of weirdos hanging around watching funny YouTube clips?
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December 1st, 2008 at 5:42 pm
They have these in Boston where I live. If I was a full time freelancer or had some extra money and time, I might drop by and use them. But for my current purposes, cafes and my home office serve much better. I can imagine these places would be good once in a while, but I’d need time alone to get most of my work done. But, that’s just me
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:30 am
I have done some co-working in London, England where I live, and it’s fine to get some work done and a great way to meet people. The bonus is that people tend to come from varied background which really helps expand your network. In any case if you don’t like the place, as opposed to a regular office, well you don’t have to turn up next day same time and place
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
jelly events are a great mix of social time and work time. we have them (and other variations of them) here in toronto. i say check them out to meet new people, expierence new cafes or workspaces, and get some work done.
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:43 am
I see your point Dan. It’s tough to meet new people. Unless you find people with a reason to interact, you are pretty much stuck with your current friend group. I’ve met some great people through alumni organizations and lately through activity groups (where you actually intereact). The latest one has been the Hash House Harriers which are in many major citiies around the world which do adventure runs and then have parties. Fun way to meet a lot of new, and all very different people. I know they have one in Chicago.
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Another good way to expand/solidify your professional network this time of year is to send holiday cards to as many of your contacts as you feel is appropriate.
Both Facebook and LinkedIn make it fairly easy to export your friends/contacts list to an Excel file, which is a great way to get started.
December 4th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Dan
I made it to a few Jelly sessions in New York but have not be able to join them recently.
There is one on Friday, December 5th.
As for new contacts, I always make new contacts at conferences and food and wine events.
I also credit Twitter (find me there as ‘theconcierge’) for expending my circle.
Last, wanted to let you know that I put ‘Newly Corporate’ on my Around the World in 10 Blogs lists on Blogs.com
Take care
Serge the Concierge
‘The French Guy from New Jersey’