Why face-to-face networking is still alive and kicking in 2019

For some people, face-to-face networking is dead – for others? It is the lifeblood of their business.

Why? Because it’s all about trusting that it will work (as long as you keep at it).

There are several good reasons for persisting and, if you’re not very good at talking to strangers, don’t worry – most of our members here at Your Partnerships Cornwall will tell you that they weren’t either.

What it really takes is just a little bit of patience, practise and turning up.

So, why should you be making the effort to network in person?

We all know that social sites like Linkedin have really changed the face of networking and how we communicate with other businesses in 2019.

For example, are you looking for a copywriter? Put out a post on LinkedIn. Want to share your thoughts on the current state of the economy (or maybe just a great motivational meme)? Another post for online.

But just because you’re sharing content on there, it doesn’t mean people are necessarily listening.

Much of the time, having a good social network requires hours of dedication, working through algorithms, posting daily and trying not to sound generic every time you connect with someone you don’t know.

And, while we definitely think it has a key place in building business, balance is everything.

Take, for instance, connecting with someone you haven’t met in person before – then later meeting them at a networking meeting.

More often than not, they are completely different in person to what their profile depicts them as. Perhaps they are more approachable, more passionate about what they do or even have a different voice to what you expected?

A picture may tell a thousand words, but a real human can express more by communicating face-to-face. It’s all about that personal connection.

Then there’s the job front.

Did you know that 70% of people get their jobs through someone they know thanks to networking?

It’s this idea that there is a hidden job market out there – one where jobs aren’t even advertised because employers have often already met the person that they think will fit the bill or will hire internally.

But this means that, in the current job market, face-to-face networking is more important than ever before.

And it might not even be the person you met offering you a job, either – it could be through someone they know, after their recommendation of what it was like to actually meet you in person.

The most important thing, though, is that networking no longer has to cost you a bomb or take up hours of your time.

More affordable, innovative opportunities are appearing in the networking world and we’re thrilled to be a part of it.

From dropping by for a quick, early breakfast on the way to work and connecting with fellow colleagues for less than £5, to taking part in an afternoon Segway experience for a little something different, there’s something on the schedule for everyone.

Want to find out more?

See our full list of events here or click here to become a member of Your Partnerships Cornwall.