One Thing - Video Call or Face-to-Face?

When a Handshake Beats a Screen

Every year, I head to Dubai to meet the team at Hoxton Capital. It’s a few days of presenting live to 200 people and spending time in their office, casually chatting and getting to know the team. Sure, this could theoretically be done online—it would save me time and money—but I wouldn’t even consider it. The relationships I build in person, often with people I didn’t plan to meet, are invaluable.

Funnily enough, both video and face-to-face meetings can work well, but when you do have the option, it’s important to think carefully. Don’t let convenience or a lack of effort be the excuse for missing out on what could be a game-changing connection.

Recently, I had the choice to move a magazine interview online to avoid trekking into the city. I agreed to go in person and, from the first moment, I knew it was the right decision. Being there face-to-face made all the difference.

This week’s “One Thing” is about understanding when to choose video and when to make the effort for an in-person meeting.

Knowing When It Matters

Video calls are fantastic for getting to the point. They save time and help you stay efficient. But face-to-face meetings are irreplaceable when it comes to building rapport, shaking hands, and looking someone in the eye—it’s the foundation of trust.

When I’ve needed to fundraise or deliver a detailed management presentation, nothing beats the energy and focus of being in the room. On the other hand, closing deals or resolving final issues is often best achieved with a quick, well-structured video call.

Time vs Impact

Video calls eliminate travel and allow you to address quick, time-sensitive decisions. They’re invaluable for international meetings, regular project updates, and internal team catch-ups. But for deeper relationship-building, nothing compares to meeting in person. Whether it’s over coffee, breakfast, or a meal, the personal touch makes a difference.

The power isn’t in choosing one over the other—it’s in knowing when to use each. A hybrid approach leverages the efficiency of video and the impact of face-to-face.

Professionalism and Preparation

Face-to-face meetings naturally build rapport, but video calls shouldn’t be underestimated. With preparation and professionalism, you can establish strong connections virtually. It’s not about the medium; it’s about how you approach it. Punctuality, focus, and effort matter in both formats.

Balancing Costs

Face-to-face meetings come with costs—travel, time out of the office, and logistical challenges. However, the potential for better outcomes often justifies the investment. Video calls, on the other hand, are virtually free and extremely time-efficient. Just remember: cutting costs shouldn’t mean cutting corners on relationships.

A Hybrid World

Post-pandemic, the “new normal” is hybrid—video calls for speed, face-to-face for impact. Don’t forget the value of a spontaneous phone call either. Sometimes, just picking up the phone can move things forward faster than scheduling a formal meeting.

AI is also enhancing both formats. Tools for note-taking, action tracking, and call transcription are making it easier to maintain clarity and momentum in follow-ups, adding value to video and face-to-face meetings alike.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, the choice isn’t about convenience—it’s about impact. There’s a time and place for every medium—DMs, emails, phone calls, video chats, and in-person meetings. The key is understanding your goal for each interaction. What’s the desired outcome? Choose the format that gives you the best chance of achieving it.

When in doubt, ask yourself: Am I giving this meeting the effort it deserves? Sometimes, making the extra effort to go face-to-face can be the difference between a “maybe” and a solid “yes.”

What’s Your Preference?

How do you decide when to go face-to-face versus video? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going.

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