In today’s digital world, where communication is as easy as pressing a button, it’s easy to forget why it’s important to talk to people in person.

Face-to-face networking creates a memorable, personal impression and lets online acquaintances put a face with your name.

Lucinda Honeycutt for Entrepreneur Magazine says “The value of face-to-face networking is being recognized as one of the most powerful tools available for increasing one’s personal exposure, creating meaningful relationships and providing growth opportunities at a personal and professional level.”

One of the main advantages of in-person networking is that it lets you connect on a personal level. Face to face networking gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality and forge meaningful and authentic connections with people. According to Seth Godin, a well-known business and brand guru, ‘What people really want is the ability to connect to each other, not to companies.’

You may also more easily avoid misunderstandings. Sure, sharing content and exchange words online is easy, but you can’t hear tone of voice, see facial expressions, watch unintentional body language, or observe intentional gestures. Everything is left open to interpretation. When attending in-person networking events, you’re able to read the room, interpret body language, and immediately respond to the signals being sent by the person in front of you. It requires you to be reactive and responsive which leads to more honest and transparent conversations.

Another benefit of attending in-person networking events is that you will meet a wider variety of people than you typically will online. Consider what happens on Netflix. It recommends shows and movies based on your watch history. If you consistently watch horror movies, the platform will display a plethora of heart-pounding thrillers. Linked-In does the same thing. The social site shows you people who work for your company, in your industry and in similar positions. When networking in person, you don’t know who you'll meet and that's where the best connections come from.

Here are some tips for you’re your next in-person networking event:

Smile & be friendly. Try to avoid crossing your arms and instead use open, welcoming body language. Inc.com has a great article outlining “18 Ways to Send the Right Message With Body Language”.

Listen first.  Last week we offered 5 Key Networking Strategies, one of which was to make sure you listen - don’t just pitch. Start with a friendly question about what they do and their interests. Gradually, the conversation will turn to you, and then you can give a little background and introduce your focus.

Take business cards.  It is important to exchange cards with people so that the contact details are not forgotten.

Follow up.  Let the people you connected with know that you are glad you met. Send them any information you may have offered to share, and send them referrals when the opportunity arises. 

Networking in person requires a little extra effort in terms of time and physical investment.  In the long run, though, face-to-face business interactions help build stronger, more productive, and mutually beneficial business relationships.  And remember: professional networking isn’t limited to formal business events. Simply interacting in person at dinners, social events, or even in elevators can open up positive new business opportunities.

Looking for a chance to meet other local Blue Springs professionals? Join us for our next Meet Me For Lunch event on Tuesday, February 15 at Summit Pizza. We’ll enjoy delicious food and low-pressure networking while supporting a fellow Chamber member. Register here or feel free to drop-in. 

Next week we’ll continue our Networking Like a Pro series with tips on How to Work a Room.