Now that we’re all Zoom and online meeting experts, you may be wondering whether business networking is better in person or virtual. There were definite advantages to meeting virtually when we needed it. Primarily, we saved time and gas by not having to travel anywhere or deal with traffic. And for most people, “Zoom” attire (business on top, casual on bottom) was a comfortable option.
Virtual Business Networking Benefits
Even as in-person meeting restrictions eased in the last year, some business networking groups continued to meet virtually. New online groups also formed so people could continue to enjoy the time-saving benefits.
· For businesses with an online target audience, virtual networking groups can be preferable as they network far beyond their local communities.
· It is also a good option for those who can work from home and may have childcare limitations.
· Virtual networking is ideal for those with health concerns or who live with someone with increased health risks.
· Introverted business owners may feel less pressure in a virtual environment to make small talk with others. When done well, smaller breakout rooms still provided a chance to speak to a few people at a time to learn more about their business.
Drawbacks of Virtual Networking
Sometimes, too much of a “good thing” isn’t always a good thing. It’s good to turn the spotlight off to give us a moment of reflection and recovery. For example:
· While people save time not driving to and from in-person meetings, they may have found themselves scheduling more virtual meetings to fill that extra time. While sitting in traffic is not ideal, it does allow time to decompress, gather our thoughts, and listen to a good audiobook, podcast, or favorite music. Mental breaks between meetings are needed.
· Being on camera staring at our own - and other - faces can be both distracting and unsettling. We may practice speaking in front of a mirror, but no one wants to sit and stare in a mirror for a meeting.
· In a virtual meeting, our attention isn’t focused on the speaker at the front of the room.
· Distractions from searching for which face is speaking, distracted by someone who forgot to mute or unmute themselves, or wondering why some people had their cameras off while you had to sit there at attention with a thoughtful look on your face was – at times – exhausting.
Benefits of In-Person Meetings
· The need for touch is met through in-person meetings, whether a handshake, fist bump, or hug. During our isolation time, many realized this valuable interaction was missed.
· A quiet word of encouragement, a reminder to do something, or the passing of an idea or promise to be followed up on is meaningful. A genuine smile or kind word can change someone’s day and that just doesn’t play the same in a virtual meeting room.
· Overhearing or seeing something prompts you to connect with someone on the way in or out of the meeting. How many great conversations happen in the parking lot or on the patio of a meeting location?
· Sharing a business card, a flyer, a thank-you gift, or a congratulations award are all better in person.
Commerce Connections Meets In Person Weekly
If you’re looking for that in person connection, join us at Commerce Connections. Our local business networking group shares business growth tips and ideas to grow our businesses. If you’d like to visit and see what you can learn, and how you can generate and share warm referrals for your business, visit us online to schedule the next meeting. We meet Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:30 am at The Scrambled Egg in Fishhawk.