LinkedIn vs. The Real World: Why Your Network Still Needs a Handshake

In a world where LinkedIn has over 900 million users, you’d think doing business would be as simple as clicking “Connect” and waiting for the contracts to roll in. And sure, it’s a powerful tool - I’m a big fan. But here’s the truth: there’s no substitute for the personal network, the kind that can’t be reduced to an online profile or a well-crafted InMail.

You see, business isn’t just about algorithms, endorsements, or how many connections you can boast. It’s about trust. And trust? It’s built in the real world, one handshake at a time.

The Magic of Face-to-Face

Nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. The value of sitting across from someone, reading their body language, and seeing that glint in their eye when you strike a chord - this is where relationships are truly forged. It’s here that deals are made, partnerships are formed, and the magic happens. It’s the reason why seasoned professionals still fly halfway around the world for a meeting when they could just as easily hop on Zoom.

Video Calls: The Next Best Thing

Don’t get me wrong; Zoom, Teams, Google Meet - they all have their place. These platforms are convenient, efficient, and fantastic for bridging the gap when geography gets in the way. But while video calls offer a glimpse into someone’s world, they can’t replicate the energy of an in-person conversation. The subtle nuances - the firm handshake, the confident posture -are often lost in the digital ether. Video calls are tools, and very good ones at that, but they’re not the final answer.

Cold Calls: Let’s Be Honest

And then there are cold calls. Let’s be honest - cold calls are cold. They’re like knocking on a stranger’s door in the dead of winter. They might sometimes work, but they’re often met with a frosty reception. It’s transactional, impersonal, and, frankly, exhausting. No one is excited to receive a cold call, and let’s face it, no one’s really thrilled to make them either.

LinkedIn: The Door Opener, Not the Deal Closer

LinkedIn is an incredible platform. It opens doors, provides insights, and helps us stay connected in ways that were unimaginable a few decades ago. But it’s not the deal closer. It’s the introduction, not the conversation. It’s the connection, not the relationship. LinkedIn is where you start, but the real work - the real magic - happens off-platform, in the moments where trust is built, face-to-face or through meaningful dialogue.

The Bottom Line

In this hyper-connected world, let’s not forget the power of personal connections. Use LinkedIn to find people, to start conversations, but never forget that business - real business - is built on relationships. Relationships that require more than just a “like” or a “share.” They require time, effort, and the occasional flight across the world to shake someone’s hand.

So, keep networking, keep connecting, but remember: the best business deals are still sealed with a handshake - or at the very least, a warm video call. And as for those cold calls? Well, maybe it’s time to turn up the heat and start building connections that matter.