Nothing Beats Face-to-Face

Nothing beats the power of a truly personal, face-to-face connection. These days, we’re nearly all advocates of one form of social media or another. But regardless of need or frequency for social media to be integrated in our professional lives, we can’t evade being wired over millennia to interact face-to-face. And we shouldn’t forget that.

As much as I enjoy the benefits of working from anywhere, being accessible via a slew of different outlets, and testing the limits of technology like geo-location (or iBeacon or HD FaceTime), there are key tangibles that have not been replicated anywhere yet.

Which leads to an important question that isn’t considered often: What can you learn from an in-person meeting that you can’t from a virtual one?

1. Seeing is believing. Many offices are open-concept (with everyone working in the same room) these days. When meeting with clients or prospective clients, your physical environment usually affects their tone, openness and you might not hear the most important information they can could share: their organization’s unique team dynamics or executive’s personality quirks that could impact our ability to make a lasting connection or relationship with that person. Over sushi, a latte or a walk around the block, my clients can let me know more (and in vivid color) than they can over the telephone or in an email.

2. We all become awkward Michael Cera via email. Often times when we are trying to get personal over email, especially in the early days of a client relationship, we are cautious because tone can easily be lost in 2D typography and because Big Brother (Mike in IT) is watching. That happens more naturally in person than over the phone or in an email. What cements a bond between people? Small talk about a favorite team, addiction to ice cream, running an upcoming marathon, how you just learned the wild new “nae, nae” dance and the other bits and pieces that make us unique and interesting.

3. Make an impact by being signature. I’ve been a huge promoter of this lately. Like our 6th favourite Canadian says, “I’m doing me” – well my friend, there’s no better time to do you (if you’re hearing this for the first time, it’s all good) than in-person. Chill on the “F-bombs” but definitely turn-up on the funky socks. By the way, if you’re in the market check out our 8th favourite Canadian www.hitsusocks.com

4. You can’t 3D print this. Confidence, empathy, fear, friendliness and sincerity. Open the kimono wide. When someone can sense transparency, a new level of trust is often gained. Open your eyes, use your hands, posture and smile. There aren’t many people who wouldn’t want to work with someone who is comfortable, confident and they can relate to.

5. Let your inner socialite shine. Do your weekends consist of Netflix, Playstation, YouTube cooking shows and planned trips to IKEA that never seem to happen? Your work week consists of the same office, cafe, lunch spot and spin class? Ok, so you only do one of the above and it’s a good chance that your client also does one or two of the above.

You know what is more memorable than a funny hat you wore on a conference call? Going out to a unique restaurant, lounge, launch party or gallery that is suited to exactly what your client loves.

How do you know for sure? Because you followed steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this blog post. If none of these work and you’re in Toronto, find me on Reach and Reach Out – let’s meet in person, open your kimono and I will take you to the best place you’ve never been to.

Stay hungry. Don’t be scared. Hustle Harder.

Talk soon,

Matt – CMO Big Rock Labs, Developers of the Reach app

Reach Out: matt@bigrocklabs.com
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