The most powerful force in business

If you attended the NRMLA Annual Meeting and Expo in San Diego or any previous meeting for that matter what’s the one thing you look forward to? What does your conference calendar look like? It’s likely several face-to-face meetings with business partners, potential vendors, and others. The value of these interactions should remind us that there’s no substitute for the personal connection and rapport built when meeting in person in the post-pandemic world.

If you’ve been struggling to build a professional referral network, how often do you schedule in-person meetings? While Zoom meetings bring a personal touch that phone calls never could provide they don’t have the warmth sitting across the table provide. 

A survey by Harvard Business Review found that 95% of respondents said face-to-face meetings are the key to building successful long-term relationships in the workplace.  Not surprising when you consider business is built on relationships…period.

The online career resource company Indeed notes other benefits of in-person meetings include picking up on non-verbal queues, collaboration, limited technology issues, leveraging the power of small talk, addressing sensitive issues, and increased engagement. 

Knowing the value of meeting face-to-face here are a few tips to prepare. (1) Have a clear purpose for the meeting. (2) Do your research. Learn more about their company, interests, and past achievements. (3) Prepare any materials or information you’ll need, and most importantly- follow up after the meeting to fulfill any commitments made. 

What are your thoughts on the value of face-to-face meetings? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.