Clicks vs Handshakes: Clash of the Networking Formats

Clicks vs Handshakes: Clash of the Networking Formats

Networking in person vs online, which way do you prefer to network?

  • In person, group that meets regularly
  • In person, random or pop-up events
  • In person, one-to-one calls
  • Virtually, group that meets regularly
  • Virtually, random or pop-up events]
  • Virtually, one-to-one calls
  • Via social media like LinkedIn

This week I attended two events in person. It was wonderful to reconnect with people I already knew and to meet new people too. It was wonderful, but I didn’t get any other work done that day, because of the time for the events plus travel.

It got me thinking about in-person networking vs virtual vs social media, and not that it has to be one over the other. I am involved in all of the types of networking listed above and my experience may differ from yours.?

I love in person. There is nothing like the energy of being with someone, especially when “breaking bread” or sharing a meal, but, I have built a global network because of the magic of Zoom. That’s harder to do in person and in person takes much more time because of travel.

I find it takes slightly longer to get to know someone when I meet them at a virtual meeting, even if we are in a breakout together. If I want to get to know them better, I always try to move to a one-to-one meeting or old-fashioned phone call.?

Plus, if you are in a group that meets regularly, virtually or in person, it is easier to build relationships because of the repetition and the opportunity to learn about each other over time.

The key factors in good networking to me are:

  1. A non-transactional outlook. People can’t always magically come up with introductions for each other, but there are many ways to help someone else.?
  2. Real conversations lead to real connections. We know that curiosity is the fuel for conversation. Have you ever been in a conversation and the person kept talking and talking, and had no interest in you??
  3. Having patience. When I give talks, I often show a photo of asparagus. Did you know they take quite a while to grow strong enough to harvest, but when you do, it’s almost as if you can’t stop them?!


Which type of networking do you like best?

Are you doing more in-person networking this summer?

Robert Kennedy III, CSP?

"Communication & Leadership Strategist | Empowering Real Estate Pros Through Powerful Storytelling | Keynote Speaker & Workshop Presenter"

5 个月

I do a mix of both...and recognize the value of both. But the introvert in me will most always choose the online first :)

Drew Neisser

CEO @ CMO Huddles | Podcast host for B2B CMOs | Flocking Awesome CMO Coach + CMO Community Leader | AdAge CMO columnist | author Renegade Marketing | Penguin-in-Chief

5 个月

Three cheers for in-person networking (and phone calls/Zoom calls)! It's crucial.

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Meg Pritchard

Lawyer and legal journalist turned content marketing strategist, helping leading law firms leverage the power of branded content and thought leadership. Dog lover, rock climber, swear word enthusiast.

5 个月

Beth Granger I went to my first in-person event in a long time last week. I felt a little wobbly at first -- big room full of people, most of whom I didn't know. But I got in the groove quickly and really enjoyed myself.

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Erika Steinberg

Fractional marketing solutions for midsize law firms. I love helping my law firm clients with their urgent marketing needs and then digging into the important marketing projects that they haven’t been able to see to yet.

5 个月

I like a combination of in person and virtual Beth. I've developed strong working relationships with people I've never met in person, thanks to the magic of Zoom. And I live about an hour outside of NYC, so a meeting in the city is pretty much my whole day. But I leave feeling super energized!

Laurel Carpenter

?We’re copywriters who help purpose-driven businesses to find the magic in your message. ?? Get started with our brand archetype quiz.

5 个月

Beth Granger I prefer in-person networking, especially if it's a small group and a well-curated event. Shout-out to George L. Bischof who creates wonderful networking events for his circle that facilitate real connection and conversation.

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