Nowadays, businesses and employees can do just about anything virtually. More than 40% of American workers can now work remotely at least occasionally thanks to unparalleled advancements in messaging and video software, and one in three employees now spend an astounding 80% of their working hours away from the office. Companies that employ thousands have given up having physical headquarters in favor of virtual offices that connect staff members globally.
But despite these developments, research consistently demonstrates that there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction. Over 80% of executives prefer in-person meetings to virtual interactions because they allow for difficult, timely business decisions and encourage more sophisticated strategic thinking. Bringing teams together is also a boon to the economy. In 2016 alone, U. S. companies held 1. 9 million meetings that sustained 5. 9 million jobs were created, and local, state, and federal taxes totaled more than $100 billion.
Meetings Matter author and corporate trainer Paul Axtell stated that video cannot fully replicate the intimacy, connection, and empathy that in-person meetings offer. The psychological safety that people need to experience in order to engage and participate fully can be created much more easily by asking for attentive listening and presence. ”.
In order to track performance drivers across industries, MIT’s Human Dynamics Lab logged hundreds of hours collecting information from electronic badges that recorded everything from voice tone to body language. The findings unmistakably demonstrated that face-to-face communication is the most effective form of communication and that, on average, the number of times a given team’s members actually spoke face-to-face accounted for 35% of the variation in that team’s performance.
No matter the sector, everyone is ultimately in the people business, according to René Siegel, a professor of public relations at San Jose State University and the founder and CEO of Connext, a Silicon Valley marketing and communications firm. She also explains the key distinction between business interactions and more substantial, long-lasting business relationships. These connections can only be made when individuals take the time to discuss topics that are important to them, whether that be a specific invention, their preferred sports team, or a favorite dish.
According to Frank Passanante, senior vice president of group sales and industry relations for Hilton, which hosts events for anywhere between 10 and 20,000 attendees at more than 5,200 hotels worldwide, “Meetings are not about the four walls of a ballroom, but the ability to imagine the experience to ensure attendees feel welcome and engaged.”
According to Passanante, at Hilton, this entails providing non-traditional programs by incorporating wellness and sustainability components into their standard format. One illustration is Hilton’s Meet with Purpose offerings, which range from a “Yoga and Yogurt” package that takes advantage of the most recent research on how mindfulness can restore the brain to an interactive dining experience where seated guests clip fresh greens directly to their plates with a “Cut & Create” salad option.
In top locations around the world, from New York City to Singapore, Hilton team members are expertly qualified to assist in planning the ideal meeting or event as the industry leader in hospitality. Hilton can assist event organizers in creating meaningful gatherings that guarantee attendees feel welcomed and engaged thanks to its properties in 105 countries and territories and a dedicated team committed to delivering a best-in-class experience.
According to Passanante, “A spirit of innovation is at the core of everything we do, from the services and technologies we provide to our venues themselves, which are intended to inspire creativity and innovative thinking.” Many of our meeting and event spaces have technology that is seamlessly integrated into the walls and furniture, providing attendees with the newest, state-of-the-art technology they desire in a setting that still feels warm and residential. ”.
According to Nancy Neipp, senior director of global events at Cisco, who has held events at Hilton properties, “events are a platform to translate our business strategy into bold, immersive experiences that accelerate engagement with audiences,” She coordinates the company’s premier customer conference, Cisco Live, which welcomes 28,000 guests and offers more than 1,000 educational sessions. It’s a sizable event that serves as the company’s yearly mood-setter.
In the course of her employment, Quigley has observed how a partner from Arizona and one from Europe connected by simply socializing in a common area at an event, creating a partnership that would not have otherwise occurred. After a breakout session, a coworker told her in an elevator that without him, he would not have been able to close a million dollar deal.
Face To Face Client Meetings | Sales
Benefits of face-to-face meetings
Due to the numerous advantages they offer, face-to-face meetings are still a popular choice for businesses. Meeting in person with clients, colleagues, and coworkers can help you be better at the following things:
Interpret nonverbal cues
Sometimes, the most crucial information isnt communicated through words. When you interact with people in person, you can read their subtle body language, facial expressions, and eye contact to determine how interested they are in the conversation and to gain insight into how they may be feeling. These nonverbal cues can be used to direct your responses and conversation. For instance, you might decide to use a more engaging tone or change the subject in a meeting with a client who keeps looking at their watch to check the time. This will help you regain their attention.
Come up with ideas
When people can exchange ideas in person, collaboration occurs more naturally. Participants may feel more comfortable contributing their own ideas in face-to-face meetings because it’s easier for them to tell when someone has finished speaking. To ensure that everyone understands their vision, it can also allow participants to visually represent their ideas on a whiteboard or piece of paper. The next time a group meeting is on your agenda to discuss complex strategic or creative ideas, think about holding a face-to-face meeting.
Limit technology issues
While technology undoubtedly has its advantages, the ability to conduct a meeting without experiencing issues with the camera or audio, the internet connection, or other technical difficulties can save time and reduce stress. To ensure that everyone can understand and participate in important conversations, think about prioritizing in-person meetings.
Build new relationships
Strong relationships are the key to long-term business success. Meeting in person with clients, coworkers, and colleagues fosters human interaction, which can help develop trust and facilitate the forming of deeper connections. Consider meeting face-to-face over coffee or in the office if you’re meeting with a new client or someone you haven’t developed a strong relationship with yet to help your relationship.
Engage in purposeful small talk
In digital communications, small talk is frequently overlooked, but taking the time to ask someone how their day is going or what they have planned for the weekend can demonstrate your interest in them and help you discover shared interests that will help your relationship grow. Additionally, it might assist you in gathering data that could be beneficial for a future project or proposal. When you next have a face-to-face meeting, spend some time getting to know the person.
Address sensitive issues
Meeting in person can help you explain the issue clearly and prevent any misunderstandings when you need to address a sensitive matter. Additionally, it might be simpler to convey empathy and understanding, which might facilitate joint problem-solving. Try to meet with someone in person the next time you need to discuss a delicate matter with them so you can demonstrate your concern for them personally and your desire to assist in resolving the matter.
Communicate effectively
Face-to-face meetings help people communicate more effectively because they give them the chance to ask questions and pick up on nonverbal cues. This lessens the possibility of texts, emails, or other communications being interpreted incorrectly. Think about having face-to-face meetings to improve communication within your company.
Limit distractions
When you are in the same setting as someone, it is frequently simpler to get their full attention. Face-to-face interactions promote concentration, prevent outside distractions, and lessen the desire to multitask. Plan a face-to-face meeting for critical issues that demand everyone’s undivided attention.
Increase engagement and participation
Face-to-face meetings can boost participation and engagement by enticing customers, coworkers, and colleagues to show up in person. Participants are frequently more likely to contribute to the conversation during meetings when they can see each other in person. Consider holding face-to-face meetings if you want to increase participation and engagement in your organization.
Why are face-to-face meetings important?
Face-to-face meetings are important because businesses are built on relationships. Although face-to-face meetings can still be essential for developing a strong culture, building rapport with clients, and connecting with people on a deeper level, digital communication has advanced significantly in recent years. Understanding the advantages of face-to-face meetings and how to conduct an effective meeting may help you advance in your career as many businesses favor them over other forms of communication.
Tips for leading a face-to-face meeting
Here are some pointers to assist you in facilitating an effective in-person meeting that benefits all attendees:
What to do if you can’t meet face to face
If distance, health concerns, or conflicting schedules prevent you from meeting in person, you can still communicate effectively by choosing the best form of communication for your circumstances. Here are some alternative communications methods to consider:
FAQ
How do you do a face to face meeting?
- It takes up a lot of time. All participants must be present at the same time, which may necessitate traveling interstate or abroad.
- It’s not cost-effective. …
- It’s outdated.
Is Zoom considered face to face?
- Interpret nonverbal cues. Sometimes, the most crucial information isn’t communicated through words.
- Come up with ideas. …
- Limit technology issues. …
- Build new relationships. …
- Engage in purposeful small talk. …
- Address sensitive issues. …
- Communicate effectively. …
- Limit distractions.
