In-Person Connection Matters Most

Newsletter Highlights

1. How I became an introvert - a personal story
2. LinkedIn Locals are back! Join us July 14 in Toronto
3. Call to Action: How excited are you about gathering in-person again?

God how I miss people. Don't you?

Even if you are not an extrovert like me, there was something missed. Most of my introverted friends still miss seeing their smaller sample size of close personal friends.

There is no greater connection you can have with an individual, a group, a team or a community than being in person.

We've all tried both long-distance or remote. Some of us have thrived in those situations. But that doesn't replace the value of being in-person. Your thought leadership is also greatly enhanced by your in-person accessibility and interaction.

What does the recent data say?

• 77 per cent of those asked “how are you?” rely on “I’m fine, thanks” to express how they’re doing, despite feeling more negative than positive. (66% negative vs. 34% positive).
• People are feeling more isolated than ever (up eight points from 39% to 47% in less than one month) and crave real, meaningful connections.
• 70% report they would like to experience more meaningful social interactions in their daily life.

My Story Unfolds...

Throughout the pandemic, I went through a very topsy-turvy kind of roller-coaster, where my emotional state were all up and down and over.

My last big public event was LinkedIn Local Toronto at the end of February 2022, where we talked about Diversity in the Senior Ranks. It was sold out, the energy and vibe was palpable, and it was our most successful event of the 16 meetups we had done with DYPB - Discover Your Personal Brand. I had no idea at the time what was about to shake down in a few weeks.

In the beginning of the pandemic, I was more focused on parenting mode with my kids. And throughout that year, I booked about 400 Zoom calls to check in and talk with various people in my network. All in all, I wasn't bothered by the isolation. I was glad to have my wife Ananda and kids Nyal and Ryah with me. The chats were helpful and there was a kind of intimacy within our video calls from basements, kitchens, and bedrooms.

I had kept away from my mom most of all, because of her health and being immuno-compromised. She's an extrovert like me and was struggling with being alone. But I kept up the video calls and visited her from a distance. When we finally got vaccinated and felt safer sharing our first hug, I posted about it.

By February 2021, we still were in isolation when my 50th birthday happened. The previous year, the hope was to have a big bash for the weekend. But instead we had to do Zoom. I was grateful that so many shared the event and could even access it from various parts of the world.

Not gonna lie to you... a few weeks later, I was really bummed out. I started isolating myself and not doing many in-person outings. I focused my attention on Clubhouse and the Thought Leadership Branding Club community. Then with my kids stuck at home for online learning for three months I definitely saw the challenges of being home all the time. This part of 2021 was the hardest part to get through. Thankfully the summer and better weather helped us get out and about.

I started to pull out of this funk in the fall. I met up with one of my best friends Natalia Juarez after 18 months. Yet while on the streetcar going there, I felt some discomfort or anxiety about getting back out in the world. For a 100% extrovert like myself it was a new "Introverted" feeling. It happened again during the holidays when I visited my in-laws and friends on the west coast.

I realized that we also need to keep connecting in person for practice. I was always very good at 'Attunement' - the ability to be aware of your own state of mind and body while tuning in and connecting to another person. According to a Harvard Business Review article:

“Attunement should not be viewed as simply fostering a touchy-feely emotional connection with others, but as a unique power — a power that enables us to perceive communications from others, to connect and have our message understood, and to manage conflict.”

Once I saw her though, it only took about 10 minutes before it felt like old times again.

What's the Point? We all need connection to thrive

The data, the stories, and how companies and entrepreneurs are evolving are clear on this point. We need in-person connection, interaction and time together.

Finding the right balance of course will vary from person to person and industry to industry. But the benefits of gathering, breaking bread, seeing each other and getting attuned are plenty.

The in-person connection can enhance team bonding. It builds greater trust with one-on-one meetings whether potential clients or your best friend. Families who see each other in person feel more connected.

What Inspired This Topic?

I am SO excited to announce that LinkedIn Local Toronto Meetups are BACK! It's been over 2.5 years since we had one in person. We did a couple of virtual ones, but it's not the same. Just the idea of getting together, seeing people, exchanging smiles, hugs and breaking bread together is exhilarating.

"Celebrate the Joy of Being at Networking Events and More Hybrid Workplaces", July 14, 6:00pm-8:30pm ET

Location: Xero Software (Canada) Inc event space - 250 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1

The 19th LinkedIn Local Toronto Meetup Event is focused mainly on just getting together again, breaking bread, getting our feet wet with networking, and discussing the in-person challenges as we now navigate in hybrid work environments.

BOBBY UMAR: 5x TEDx Speaker, Inc Magazine Top 100 Leadership Speaker, Author of Best-Seller 'How to Network Anytime, Anywhere, with Anyone', CEO of DYPB - Discover Your Personal Brand and the Thought Leadership Branding Club

BRIAN HUGHES: Vice President Human Resources, FirstOnSite Restoration, Executive | Change Leader | Strategist | Culture Builder

SWISH GOSWAMI: CEO & Co-Founder, Surf, Co-Founder of the LinkedIn Local Movement

YOU: At our Open Mic session - share your experience of going through the pandemic and missing live in-person events.

Some Hors d'oeuvres and Drinks will be provided during this event - First come first serve. You’ll also have the chance to win some great prizes throughout the evening!

Save an additional 43% off your tickets with an Early Bird ticket.

Save even more with a group of 4! Bring your colleagues or team along get almost 50% off of four tickets!

Register HERE.

What is My Ask for Today?

If there was any Call to Action (CTA) it's this: Tell me how excited you are about going back to in-person events and which one are you looking forward to most this summer? ??????

Bobby's Besties!

I always feature a few 1st degree LinkedIn connections I love. Here are 3 awesome connections I can't wait to see in-person and get their epic hugs and deep convos.

1. Lila Smith: We share a deep connection from DYPB events we did in Toronto and an epic speaking trip in Tunisia. Spending time with her I always feel the most important person in the room and that amazing hugs and deep convos are always initiated by her.
2. Alexander Michael Gittens: He makes every room better. We met in DYPB and I saw him shine at LinkedIn Local Toronto Meetups. AMG has an incredible charm and an ability to put everyone at ease, yet feel invested in. My favourite moment was when he entertained my kids with his piano prowess at my holiday drop-in.
3. Marika Arovuo: Another amazing connection I met at a Toronto LinkedIn Local and soon we were working together on future events and at DYPB. Such an incredible energy from her. She really lights up a room with her passion and love of people.

If you ever see me in-person, know that my hug door is now open.

Thanks for reading!

Take care, Bobby

Want exclusive access to my LinkedIn content? Visit my profile, follow me and then RING THAT BELL! ??????

FUN BONUS! If you click on my name pronunciation, you will get a funny surprise and a song. Let me know if you liked it!

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#ThoughtLeadership #Storytelling #Entrepreneurship #PersonalBranding #PowerOfConnection