Why Networking In Person Still Matters In A Digital World
- Varun Kale
- Sep 3, 2017
- 4 min read
In today's technology driven world, entrepreneurs choose to network via different social media platforms over face-to-face networking. Your business does not have to rely on the internet to succeed. However, that does not mean you have to delete all your social media accounts! Working hard to build your network/business offline, is just as important as working online.
Digital networking has its benefits. It’s quick, convenient, universally acceptable and let’s face it: It’s where the trends are occurring. While online networking has all these benefits and is a big part of relationship building, it’s far from the big picture. Face-to-face interaction still offers a host of real, unique advantages which businesses shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss.
Why Is Face-To-Face Business Networking Important?
The trust and momentum behind strong business relationships springs from sharing a real, physical presence – and that’s something even the most dynamic online conversations can’t provide. Even video networking, conveys subtle cues like body language, voice tone, and facial expressions, can’t simulate the reassuring grip of a confident handshake, or the positive energy of experiences, values, and interests shared face to face. These things can only unfold by interacting in person. Thus, live networking can be a valuable opportunity to be one step ahead in the business game.
Benefits Of Networking In Person:
1. Showcase your personality. Putting a name with a face helps us remember people. On Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+, people only see a thumbnail of your face, the rest of the page is filled with your information and latest activity. How are they supposed to remember you from just a headshot?
In contrast, personal meetings put your face and your personality in front of people – literally. Not only will they be looking at you, but they will also see your facial expressions and be more likely to remember you as a result.
2. Build Human Connections. In-person meetings also increase your chances of being understood thereby increasing your human connections. Social networking might be faster and cheaper than meeting people in person, however, when you meet people, you can make more progress in one night than you can doing social media for a week. Online interactions only allow for two out of the six key attributes that help build relationships. Online, you can share content and exchange words, but you cannot:
Hear tone of voice
See facial expressions
Watch unintentional body language
Observe intentional gestures
Until we can do all of these things digitally, online networking will not foster communication as well as face-to-face networking does.
3. Share your knowledge. While talking to someone in person, you don’t need to be the most experienced authority on the subject. You have authority simply by being there. People want to hear what you know. Online, you need to capture your audience before you can share anything with them. Unless you happen to be a sought-out authority on a subject, much of your time and energy will be on promoting yourself, rather than explaining yourself.
4. Find chemistry. There is an intangible aspect of human relationships, which social platforms cannot capture: chemistry. Some people just click. If you’re looking for a mentor (or a mentee), employee or investor, chemistry is vital. You can feed off each other’s energy & passions. The only way to find out whether you’ll hit it off with someone is by meeting them in person. Receiving a friend request doesn’t come with a spark.
5. Meet different people. When networking in person, you will meet a wider variety of people than you will online. You will come across people from the same field as you, as well as people from different fields. Meeting them and updating your contact list will turn out to be immensely beneficial for your business.
6. Leads. Personal networking events are a great way to discover potential new clients, supporters, or partners who may not be involved in your online circle. Plus, by taking a genuine interest in others, you’re positioning yourself as a valuable resource. Even if a new contact isn’t an ideal prospect for your line of work, they can still refer you to potential clients when the need arises.
7. Information. While you get quick updates on the internet, there’s nothing like professional mingling to keep up with the latest news and market trends. Networking in person can also give you the inside scoop on upcoming events or chances to recruit new talent – or even help you get your foot in the door when new projects or initiatives are on the horizon.
8. Acquaintances. When it comes to meeting important industry players, being introduced in person goes miles beyond a cold call or email. What’s more, face-to-face networking lets you follow up on relationships started online, which builds trust and creates a more positive, productive rapport for the future. Before heading to your next in-person networking event, consider doing some research beforehand to see who’ll be attending. And if you don’t recognize many names on the list, go anyway. You’ll likely meet more people with similar values at a live event than you would online.
9. Inspiration. People tend to say different things in person than they do online. Face-to-face business conversations can spark new ideas and perspectives, and open up new doors. They can also unearth background information that’s important for making smart business decisions, such as whom to work with on a new project or how to better understand your competitors.
In today's technology driven world, online networking is gaining a lot of popularity, but face-to-face networking is equally important to enhance your career prospects. While networking in person sometimes demands a bit of effort, in the long run, face-to-face business interactions help build stronger, more productive, and more mutually beneficial business relationships.
Now you know why in-person networking is so important, it’s time to practice it. Sign up with Project Network India to personally interact with budding entrepreneurs and tap into the resources of other people to make your business prosper. All it takes is ‘Hello!’
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