Social Media, Networking, Engagement, “Likes” – they are all here to stay. So does that mean that the “good old-fashioned” face-to-face meeting is passé? Is there still value in truly meeting someone with whom you want to do business or exchange ideas?
Truth be told, there are many people I currently do business with that I have never met. Even more that I have conversed with on sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Social Media Examiner. Do I value these connections? Most Definitely! Do I wish I would have the chance to meet them “in person”? I would have to answer YES to that too!
I recently came across an article by Tiffany Ross entitled “Business Etiquette and Body Language” on eHow.
I have always been interested in “reading” people so this article got me thinking. With this current emphasis on social media communication, have the benefits of “in person” interaction been lost?
It is obvious that how you carry yourself in a business situation can tell a perspective employer or potential client a lot about you. But what are the real benefits of face-to-face? Here are my thoughts:
- It is much harder to say “No” in a face-to-face situation.
- You can create trust more easily, especially in the long term.
- You can read facial and body “cues” you can’t in written communication.
- You can make true “eye contact” and establish a “meeting of the minds”.
- Face-to-face helps create a “community” feeling.
So what do you do if meeting “face-to-face” is NOT a reality? Can you still gain some of these benefits in your working relationships without it? I believe you can.
Building personal and profitable business relationships solely through social media and written communications may be hard, but they are possible. The key is to put YOURSELF out there. You are your brand and company. Being accessible, honest, and true to yourself will translate in the written word.
Take the time to comment on the posts and pages of others. Share posts from the pages of others on your own page – especially if they complement your own. Establish yourself as knowledgeable in your field by posting interesting and informative articles on your own page or blog. Most importantly, be genuine! You can get beyond the “click on Like” and really engage with some work on your part, but it is worth it.
So, as I questioned in the beginning, is the art and value of the “Face-to-Face” meeting really lost? My answer is No. Really looking someone in the eye is hard to duplicate. However, if you can learn to post, blog, and comment through Social Media with “HEART”, you can and will establish real working relationships! Good Luck!
If you would like to find out more about Small Business issues, visit my website www.accessprofiles.com.
Kimberly
