Is networking easier when you don't have to plan it?

Most networking advice involves attending events, sending messages, or deliberately meeting new people.

But I've wondered whether some of the best connections happen more naturally when you're simply working around other professionals.

That was one thing that caught my attention about places such as Ilford Business Centre. You're potentially around people working on completely different businesses without having to attend a formal networking event.

Has anyone actually gained a useful contact, client, or idea simply from sharing a workspace with other professionals?