Covid's Impact on Meetings -

However the recent pandemic affected you, one thing we can all agree on is that it changed how we hold meetings for good.?Or has it, and should it??Whilst the benefits of digital meetings can’t be denied, and have indeed been a lifeline to many during the recent pandemic both socially and professionally, face-to-face meetings are my preferred option.?

In the digital age, you may wonder why physically meeting clients at their office is still relevant. After all, you can easily communicate with them via email, phone or video call without leaving your desk. However, meeting clients face to face has many advantages over meeting remotely, such as improving communication and understanding, building trust, increasing productivity, avoiding technology issues and gaining deeper insights.?

Prior to Covid, face-to-face meetings, typically at my client’s offices, were the only considered way to hold meetings.?Yes, there may have sometimes been issues with traffic, parking, finding the offices, and travel time to take into consideration.?However, with so much modern technology, these perceived issues are easily overcome.?Online maps and street view allow you to explore the area, for potential parking and the office’s location prior to setting off.?You can also state what time and date you wish to arrive, or where you’re coming from, and it will tell you the expected travel time for that point in the day, whilst taking into account the likely weight of traffic at that time, so you can see in advance when you need to be leaving by.?Pretty much all cars now come with a reliable and accurate Satnav these, lessening the likelihood of things going wrong en route.?

As for the meeting itself, it’s now that you’re in front of your client, or potential client, making physical eye contact, shaking hands, holding a door open for the other, or passing a much-appreciated tea or coffee, that the real relationship building begins in a way that a digital screen meeting can not replicate.?

Additionally, by actually visiting their office and workspace, you can gain a better understanding of how they work, their company culture, and what kind of challenges they face.?You’re also likely to meet more people and potential contacts within the organisation simply by being there, passing in the corridors, people popping in and being introduced, or being brought into the meeting when it becomes apparent their input would be helpful.?You can also have off-the-record conversations that can reveal nuggets of useful information you wouldn’t otherwise hear.?

Another option that meeting face to face allows is being able to incorporate, and therefore bond over, a shared hobby or interest.?For example, a meeting held on a golf course or at a favourite restaurant allows both parties to relax, share a common goal, and can be a great way to inject some less formal conversation and build that connection.?

Both digital and physical meetings have their place and use in this modern world.?For me, I’m going to be meeting as many of my clients face to face, in their own environment, as often as possible.?I look forward to meeting you soon.?I’ll be the one bearing gifts of cake and coffee.?

Written by Sarah Grigg, Senior Recruiter at CPI Selection