New to town? Join a coworking space.

Written by Marjo Jaroch

When I was 25 I started my own business outside of San Francisco, a few months after moving 2500 miles away from everyone and anything I knew.  While I was getting settled in, my new insurance agent mentioned her Business Networking group, and the following week I was introduced to 30 local business professionals. Within months I was connected to the local business community, who would become clients, mentors, and friends. 

When I moved to the Great Lakes Bay Region I was introduced to a coworking space.  I didn’t have a business, and I didn’t have a job, but quickly I had a place to go where people knew me.  I had meetings and coworkers.  I quickly got connected to the local business community who would be on to become clients, mentors and friends. 

Coworking spaces provide a place to work and coffee, but they also provide something much less tangible, a sense of belonging.  They provide a sense of place.  

My coworkers now are geologists, game developers, and recruiters.  Our youngest member is in their early 20s, our oldest in their 60s.  We meet around the water cooler to talk about our work day. We meet outside of work as friends.  

New to town and not sure where to start? Join a coworking space.