Advice/Tips
CHICAGO – We live in a fast-moving world that allows us to interact virtually with almost anyone. Without technology such as e-mail, social networking and blogs, we would have a more difficult time connecting with people on a regular basis.
While technology is great for maintaining relationships, it doesn’t replace face-to-face communication. In order to fully connect with people, you need to see them in person from time to time.
Make an effort to get together with people in your network. Be creative and think of new ways to connect in person so it continues to be exciting for you.
Connect During Meal Time
One easy way to connect with people is to get together during meal time. Since you need to eat, why not make it a productive meal?
In addition to inviting people to breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can also ask them to get together for coffee any time during the day. Meeting for coffee will allow you to be flexible around other people’s schedules.
During meals, the environment is more relaxing and the conversation should be easy going. Meeting with people outside a business setting allows individuals to feel more comfortable.
Be proactive and invite people to join you for meals at least once a week. It is a good habit to schedule two to three of these meetings a week so you can get to know people better on a regular basis.
In fact, you should try to get together with at least one new person each week. This way, you are connecting with new and existing contacts.
Connect at Events
One of the easiest ways to connect with people is to interact with them at events. Relationship building at events is great for meeting people for the first time or reconnecting with existing contacts.
A variety of events exist including business events, charity events, alumni events, trade shows and workshops. It doesn’t matter what type of event as long as you are establishing relationships.
A great aspect of events is that you are communicating face to face and you get to meet people for the first time in person. Nothing beats meeting someone in the flesh.
You can learn about a person through first impressions and non-verbal communication. This can only be done in person. After you meet someone, you usually get a good sense of whether it’s worth your time to pursue a relationship.
At the same time, you can let existing contacts know you will be at an event so they can join you. This is a great method to continue building your relationships.
However, don’t spend your entire time with your existing contacts. You need to make sure you meet new people as well.
Connect at Organizational Meetings
Another great way to connect in person is to interact at meetings for groups such as charities, industry associations and community organizations. As most of you are already involved with an organization, you know the benefit of building relationships with other volunteers.
Taking an active role with an organization is an excellent way to get to know other people. In fact, you should take on a leadership role so you will stand out as a leader and get to know more people within the organization.
In organizational meetings, much of the dialogue is done in person. Technology cannot replace the human element.
For those of you who are not involved with an association, you should consider making the time and effort because the relationships you will build will be priceless.
You will not regret getting more involved because you will develop better relationships than by just meeting people at an organization’s events. Of course, it is still important to attend events to support the organization.
Connect During Sports, Entertainment
Sports and entertainment are definitely activities you need to be present for with other individuals. It can be a fun and relaxing activity to get to know others.
Invite people to sporting events or concerts so you can get to know them better. People will appreciate the gesture and return the favor.
In relationship building, you need to be creative and find ways to connect in person. Regular interaction is healthy and makes you relevant in people’s minds.
Staying on top of someone’s mind is important so you are remembered. Take the opportunity to connect via sports and entertainment.
While you can maintain some of your relationships through online tools such as fantasy leagues or community sites, it is still important to have face time.
Final Thought
While relationships can be maintained using technology, face-to-face communication is so important for longevity. Make sure you aren’t complacent by only using virtual tools to connect.
If you meet someone online, make it a point to also connect in person. Relationship building takes some effort that’s well worth the time.
Jason Jacobsohn is a business advisor with the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC). He also operates a business and networking resources Web site at Jacobsohn.com and publishes the blog “Networking Insight”. Jacobsohn can be e-mailed at jason@jacobsohn.com. This article first appeared on MidwestBusiness.com and is being republished with permission.
