The Value of Face to Face Meetings: Why In-Person Is Better Than Online

Over the last few years, there’s been a significant shift towards online meetings thanks to software like Skype, Google Hangouts, and Zoom. And although online meetings are better than email, there’s no denying the value of face to face meetings.

Here at SpeedNetworking.com, we’re always searching for the best ways to connect professionals. To date, we’ve created more than 500,000 connections worldwide, and we’d like to think we’ve learned a thing or two over the years. Now, we’re here to share that knowledge with you.

Here’s why face to face meetings matter and more on why there’s no substitute for being in the same room:

Face to face meetings lead to stronger, more meaningful business relationships.

According to a study by Forbes Insight, 85% of people say they build stronger, more meaningful business relationships during in-person meetings and conferences. While video and conference calls can certainly be convenient, there’s no denying the effectiveness of meeting in-person. It focuses on human connection, requires all participants to be fully present, and is free from distractions.

Face to face meetings are necessary for long-lasting business relationships.

According to a study by the Harvard Review, 95% of people say face-to-face meetings are a key factor in successfully building and maintaining long-term business relationships. Think about it. If all you ever do is message someone on LinkedIn or hop on the phone every now and then, how far can that relationship really go? Does that person even really know you? Do you even really know them?

Meeting face to face establishes stronger relationships. It shows you’re willing to go the extra mile to get to know someone, it builds trust, and it shows that you value that relationship.

You’re able to read body language, see facial expressions, use context clues, and better get to know someone’s personality.

Online exchanges can only give you so much. Whether it’s email or a conference call, there are undeniably things you miss out on. Meeting face to face gives you the whole picture. You can read people—and their intentions and true feelings—in ways that simply aren’t possible online.

Meeting face to face also allows you—and your meeting partner—to showcase your personality, which is an incredibly important part of any relationship.

So, there you have it. It’s clear that meeting face to face is the most effective way to build business relationships. And no matter convenient conference calls might be, there’s no denying the value of face to face meetings. That’s why here at SpeedNetworking.com, all of our events are in-person. We believe in the power of meeting face to face. And so do our participants. Here’s what they have to say about our events:

Not only do we bring people together face to face, but we also add an element of strategy to it. Our participants can pre-select the types of people they’re interested in meeting through an online survey they fill out while registering. It’s every event planner’s dream.