> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://londoncoworkingassembly.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # People Trust People - How Coworking Spaces Can Become Local Trust Hubs with Phil Szomszor - URL: https://londoncoworkingassembly.com/people-trust-people-how-coworking/ - Published: 2025-02-19T23:46:52.000Z - Updated: 2025-02-19T23:46:52.000Z - Description: Trust is at an all-time low, but people still believe in those they see every day. Here’s how coworking spaces can build real connections and attract more members. - Author: Bernie J Mitchell - Tags: 🎙️Coworking Values Podcast, #Migrated-1775294871643, #Import 2026-04-04 09:38 People Trust People - How Coworking Spaces Can Become Local Trust Hubs with Phil Szomszor 0:00 /200 1× ### **Episode Summary:** **Trust is collapsing worldwide—but not when it comes to the people we see in real life.** In this episode, **Bernie** and **Phil** discuss the [**2024 Edelman Trust Barometer**](https://www.edelman.com/trust/2024/trust-barometer?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) **findings** and their implications for coworking operators. As **trust in institutions, media, and business plummets**, people are turning to **local communities and personal connections.** This is where **coworking spaces** have a **huge opportunity**—they’re not just workspaces but **trust hubs** where people can build relationships **face-to-face.** They discuss: - **Why people trust individuals over brands—and how coworking spaces can use that to grow.** - **How to get home-based workers out of their kitchen and into your space.** - **Why traditional marketing doesn’t work anymore—and how word-of-mouth from members is your best strategy.** - **The role of local coworking spaces in rebuilding trust in a disconnected world.** If you’re running a coworking space and struggling to attract local members, this episode will show you **what’s missing, why trust matters, and how to build a coworking space that people actually want to be part of.** --- ### **Why Coworking Operators Should Listen:** ✅ **Trust is at an all-time low—but people still trust those they see in real life.** Learn how to position your coworking space as a **community trust hub.** ✅ **Remote workers are isolated—but they won’t walk in on their own.** Learn how to **invite them in** without aggressive marketing. ✅ **Social media followings don’t matter—real engagement does.** Discover how to build a coworking space where **word-of-mouth does the marketing for you.** ✅ **Most people don’t hate the office—they hate commuting.** See how to **position your coworking space as a no-brainer alternative to working from home.** --- ### **Timeline Highlights:** \[00:03\] – **Welcome and intro: Why trust and local connection matter for coworking spaces.** \[01:13\] – **The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer—how trust in business, government, and media is falling fast.** \[03:55\] – **People trust local, face-to-face connections more than anything else.** \[05:38\] – **How coworking spaces can serve as trust hubs in their communities.** \[07:32\] – **Online rage culture vs. in-person conversations—how coworking spaces offer a better way.** \[09:58\] – **Building trust online: Why big followings don’t matter, but personal engagement does.** \[11:59\] – **Why people trust individuals more than brands—and what that means for coworking operators.** \[14:46\] – **How social media has changed—why smaller, engaged networks now matter more.** \[17:10\] – **Hybrid work, coworking, and why local economies are shifting.** \[20:06\] – **Investing in your local community—how it benefits coworking spaces in the long run.** \[22:27\] – **The challenge of reaching remote workers who aren’t looking for coworking.** \[24:14\] – **What actually gets people out of their home office and into a coworking space?** \[26:09\] – **The power of word-of-mouth marketing in coworking spaces.** \[28:23\] – **Why should coworking spaces integrate with their local area, not just focus on desks?** \[29:24\] – **How larger companies should support employees using local coworking spaces.** \[30:43\] – **Where to find Phil online and connect.** --- ### **Key Takeaways for Coworking Operators:** 💡 **Trust is shifting from institutions to individuals.** People don’t trust ads or corporate messaging anymore—they trust **the people they see in real life.** 💡 **Most people working from home aren’t actively looking for coworking—but they need it.** You need to **invite them in, not just market to them personally.** 💡 **Forget vanity metrics—small, engaged communities matter more.** You don’t need 10,000 LinkedIn followers; you need **strong local relationships that drive word-of-mouth.** 💡 **Coworking spaces that act as local community hubs will thrive.** The future of work isn’t about forcing people back to the office—it’s about **offering an alternative to isolation.** --- - [Brightside Digital](https://www.brightside.digital/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) \- Phil’s agency - [The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer](https://www.edelman.com/trust/2024/trust-barometer?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) - [Jon Alexander’s book ](https://www.jonalexander.net/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com)[*Citizens*](https://www.jonalexander.net/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) - [Coworking Alliance Summit](https://coworkingalliancesummit.com/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) - [Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/coworking-values-podcast/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) - [Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort](https://thirdplaceworks.com/community-builder-cohorts/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) - [Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025](https://coworkingday.eu/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) - [Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025](https://workspaceshow.co.uk/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) - [Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/33807/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) - [Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilygbreder/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) - [Connect with Phil on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/philszomszor/?ref=londoncoworkingassembly.com) --- ## **One more thing** Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices. Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability. These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow. We hope this resonates with you. If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities. **Community is the key 🔑**