by: Anne
Dewvall
In today’s world, it’s important to be
fluent in virtual communication. From e-mail to instant messages, social media to webinars, there are dozens of ways to stay in touch with coworkers and
clients across the globe. Face-to-face interactions are still important in
business.
Think of the deals signed over drinks or agreements reached
during a round of golf. Most interviews end with an in-person event, even if the
employee will be based outside the office. Humans absorb a wealth of information
from an in-person interaction via body language, vocal inflection, and eye
contact. But there are times when a face-to-face interaction isn’t just a bonus;
it’s necessary.
Erik Pedersen
directs a statewide entrepreneurship program in Kansas (the E-Community
Partnership) and has found that there are times when in-person interactions
saved a situation that was heading south quickly.
When a community
ran into significant issues dealing with loan funds, “I would travel to their
meeting to meet it head on,” explained Pedersen. “We’d first address the matter
at hand, but then we’d spend the rest of our time talking through the issues and
whether the policy in place was truly the best.”
These face-to-face
meetings didn’t just solve problems; they built trust.
“A large
part of how the [program] looks is due to those early face-to-face meetings. Had
we not developed a trusting relationship, that would not have been possible, and
I guarantee it wouldn't have been possible over email.”
In another case,
Pedersen related how he made an effort to visit a community two hours away and
off the beaten track. “I’d stop and have coffee or lunch."
When an issue
involving loan repayments arose, Pedersen drove to meet the group. “As with any
issue that is significant at all, I believe in handling it
face-to-face.”
Although the group
didn’t like the way the situation was resolved, the meeting still resulted in a
positive outcome.
“I am
convinced that because we were all in the same room together, we not only
reached a mutual understanding, but developed a better professional relationship
as well.”
While e-mail is an effective means of
quick communication, face-to-face meetings still present a wealth of benefits
for businesses. Face-to-face communication facilitates relationship building,
creates trust, and provides brainstorming opportunities. Perhaps most
importantly, good face-to-face relationships will translate to better virtual
communication. No need for emoticons when you can imagine the sender’s tone of
voice thanks to your many great conversations.
Photo credit: Flickr user Andrew (Creative Commons)
Content contributed by Anne Dewvall, Network Kansas. Network Kansas is a proud affiliate of U.S. SourceLink, America’s largest resource network for entrepreneurs