The Nexus of In-Person Networking & Digital Mastery (2023)

In-person networking plays an instrumental role in establishing relationships, expanding your network, and advancing your career and professional goals. Let’s look at the step-by-step process of in-person networking.

Many of us have an intense will they/won’t they dichotomy with the word “networking.” Real offline contacts have become increasingly important, while online social networks have become the standard, whether you want to advance your career or make new business connections.

This guide was inspired by the countless rave reviews Eventible has received from B2B marketers at conferences worldwide. The next time you walk into a room of potential contacts, you’ll feel prepared for in-person networking because the guide will help you handle face-to-face networking situations.

The landscape of sales has been a tapestry of evolving techniques and tools. Yet, amidst all its transformation, the value of genuine, face-to-face networking remains steadfast. Enter Popl Teams – a sales management software that seamlessly marries the intimacy of traditional networking with the efficiency of modern technology.

A Harmony of Eras

In a rapidly digitizing world, many tools push for virtual interfaces and remote connections. Popl Teams, however, dances to a different tune. It accentuates the power of personal connections, harmoniously weaving them into a digital fabric, resulting in an ecosystem that respects the old while embracing the new.

The Business Card’s Evolution

From thick cardstock embossed with gold to sleek designs portraying brand ethos, business cards have long been the silent warriors of networking. Popl Teams revolutionizes this ritual. Its digital business card management encapsulates a wealth of information within a single, effortless tap, bridging professionalism with eco-consciousness. No wonder Popl is considered the best digital business card.

Capturing Moments, Securing Futures

Every in-person interaction in sales is a fleeting moment, a dance of possibilities. Popl Teams ensures that the essence of these moments—leads, opportunities, and potential collaborations—are captured with precision and immediacy, making the transition from a chance meeting to a secured lead seamless.

Energizing Modern Sales Brigades

Empowerment in the sales realm comes from tools that respect a professional’s skills while amplifying their reach. Sales management software Popl Teams is precisely that—a digital catalyst that complements a salesperson’s interpersonal acumen, ushering them into a world where they’re equipped for both the human and the digital aspects of sales.

A New Revenue Zenith

At its core, Popl Teams, which to many acts as their favorite networking tool, isn’t just about the synergy of tradition and technology—it’s a revenue booster. By honing in on the strengths of in-person networking and amplifying them with its digital toolkit, the platform carves out new pathways for businesses to increase conversions and revenue.

In-Person VS Online Networking

In-Person Networking: Many people missed face-to-face interactions during the epidemic. They preferred having more casual chats while in the same space, looking each other in the eye, shaking hands, and doing so.

People may find it difficult to network when seated in front of a screen. They frequently discover that using a screen creates a mental barrier that prevents them from connecting intimately with one another. Face-to-face interactions and reactions enable you to express your personality more naturally, which puts others at ease.

Face-to-face interactions also frequently result in more understandable communication. Instead of simply seeing a small face in the corner of your screen, you get to view the entire image, so to speak. Communication requires being able to interpret the body language of others. Meeting in person also eliminates audio latency and cut-outs when numerous people speak, allowing for simpler, more natural conversation.

Online Networking: Without leaving the convenience of your home or workplace, networking online is a terrific method to meet new people. Therefore, virtual networking is considerably more practical if you’re busy. Simply log in for an hour, then log out and resume your work. There is no waiting in traffic; the connection happens immediately. You could even network while wearing pyjamas!

Virtual networking not only saves you time, but it’s also more economical. Attending networking events may incur additional expenses that only become apparent after a year. There is no need to pay for things like daycare, transportation, parking, coffee, or breakfast while using virtual networking.

In-person gatherings tend to promote companies in a particular geographic region. A virtual organization, however, tends to be more welcoming to members from various regions due to its nature. Therefore, you get to network with individuals around the globe.

Many businesses started depending significantly on social media sites during the epidemic. Most utilized LinkedIn to publish blogs, business announcements, and updates on products and services. Others stayed in touch with their professional networking networks via Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. All employees were urged to contribute work-related updates and initiatives that influenced the community.

Still, other firms felt that now was the time to revamp their website and add sections like portfolios, showcase projects, or add case studies to emphasize what has been happening to customers and other businesses.

The past several months have seen the emergence of a hybrid kind of business networking that continues to rely on online platforms like Zoom while also introducing live conferences. Many companies discover that doing this not only gives them a chance to spend less money on frequent travel but also gives them a chance to network with a more extensive selection of businesses.

Wrapping Up

In a world eager to digitize every aspect of business, Popl Teams stands as a poignant reminder of the magic of personal connections. By masterfully blending this with the marvels of modern technology, it offers a fresh, holistic approach to sales management. For those poised at the intersection of tradition and innovation, Popl Teams is the compass pointing towards a lucrative future.

If you want to break through to the leading edge of innovation, a Nexus might be right for you. It’s a specialized minor that empowers you to connect interdisciplinary learning with some of today’s most dynamic career fields, from preprofessional programs to areas like global business, data analytics and society and educational policy and practice. By bringing together the latest information, real-world experience and your own curiosity, a Nexus puts you right at the center of what’s next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of in-person networking?

Some of the major advantages of in-person networking are:

i) Meeting In-Person Will Help You Stay Memorable

People frequently multitask and depend on their mobile gadgets all day. Face-to-face interactions encourage us to concentrate and slow down compared to our social media interactions, where we are frequently interrupted and rushed.

Meeting someone in person also increases the possibility of sharing personal experiences and identifying shared interests or other factors that make you more memorable.

ii) Personal Relationships Promote Business Conversions

Normally, when speaking to someone, you look them directly in the face and pay attention to their nonverbal cues. It is simpler to establish confidence and reach an agreement when there is eye contact and body language.

A welcoming grin, a confident stance, and a solid handshake can create the slight difference needed to accept an offer.

iii) Communications Done in Person Are More Effective

Connecting with people online is simple, but it’s not the ideal approach to conduct conversations or close sales.

Getting through someone’s hectic schedule might be challenging, but a face-to-face meeting has already made this step possible. An email or online message could receive partial attention, be saved from being read later, or, worst still, be wholly forgotten.

How do you network better in person?

You must have an action plan that details your goals for networking and your strategy for achieving them. To create your relationship action plan, follow these steps:

List two things. The first one will be acquaintances you wish to develop closer ties. Examples include friends, coworkers, and exciting individuals you’ve met at gatherings. People you desire to meet will be on the second list.

For instance, influential people in your niche, leaders at work, or people from a group you’d like to engage in.
Make a strategy of action. Decide what steps you will take to meet each person on your list or improve your connection with them.

Plan the most effective methods to engage with each person as you go along. For instance, concentrate on leaving a solid first impression if it’s your first meeting. Or, if you already know the individual, try to find methods to communicate with them more frequently, like scheduling regular coffee sessions.

As you build relationships and establish new objectives, frequently update your relationship action plan. You will establish contacts more quickly if you are more methodical in your networking activities.

Is networking better in-person or online?

It’s ideal for striking a balance between the two so that your perspective is expanded. Either way, you may grow your business, interact with other entrepreneurs, and receive encouragement along the way. In-person networking is more natural, yet virtual networking is frequently more practical.

Regardless of the benefits and drawbacks, networking is crucial for growing your career. The most crucial step is to begin so that you can determine what works best for you and your brand.

How to approach someone at a networking event?

Here are some of the ways to approach someone at a networking event:

i) Introduce Yourself

85% of professionals claim that meeting someone in person helps them form more meaningful relationships. Approach other experts and introduce yourself. The easiest method to strike up a discussion is with something that appears straightforward. Give a firm handshake and flash a happy grin. Spend some time crafting a succinct 30-second summary of your brand, company, and objective.

Some business people prefer to exchange cards immediately, while others wait until after a fruitful conversation. Consider introducing your firm or profession on your business card.

At this point, you’ve already established a personal connection, and your partner may glance at the business card as you describe the mission and services of your organization.

ii) Bring a companion along while you walk

Talking while moving may quickly establish a bond. On your walk to the subsequent panel or the snack table, invite a brand-new buddy to accompany you. This may be a terrific method to continue a conversation already in progress without missing the conference’s next phase.

This strategy can also be used to engage a wallflower in the event. Some businesspeople struggle with what to say when networking; if you see someone attempting and failing to initiate a conversation, offer them to join you for a little time. After you arrive at your location, the increased self-assurance will make it easier for them to socialize.

iii) Consider Reconnecting

As you close the conversation, suggest continuing it later. You could be considering purchasing their services, seeking guidance on landing a position there in the future, or believing their current project would benefit greatly from your expertise. Don’t forget to give the other person a cause to remember you.

How to network at an event?

Here are some of the best ways to network at an event:

i) Begin with those you are familiar with

You should start by contacting people you already know since it is good practice, and you never know where your present relationships may take you. Find out whether someone you know works for an employer you’d want to learn more about or is in a job sector that interests you by asking others around you.

ii) Be willing to interact with others

Make an effort to network at all stages of your profession, particularly when you’re just starting. If someone is unfamiliar to you but has a link to a company or job you seek, don’t write them off. The more individuals you get to know and talk to about your professional objectives, the better.

iii) Find opportunities

There are probably professional groups that you may join based on the sector or occupations that interest you. Look for networking events or professional associations catering to underrepresented groups.

If you’re new to networking events, see if a friend who shares your professional interests would join you. Your anxiety may be reduced, and your self-confidence may increase if a friend accompanies you. You could be pleasantly surprised if you approach the situation with optimism and a grin.

iv) Be inquisitive and ask inquiries

Meeting people who can assist you is one aspect of networking. The strongest professional bonds are formed when two people are interested in getting to know and supporting one another.

Ask insightful inquiries to learn more about the person you’re speaking to rather than just concentrating on yourself and what you want.

v) What to talk about at a networking event?

Step into the event prepared with a few conversation starters in search of the opportunity to meet some new people.

vi) Make the Right Queries

Asking a question that invites a response is an excellent way to start a discussion. Simple inquiries like “Are you enjoying yourself?” help to break the ice but do not promote further conversation.

Encourage them to talk openly about their occupation and the events they are attending. Inquire further about the topics they appear enthusiastic about.

Acknowledge your lack of experience and let the other person fill you in on their networking strategy.

There are several panels, exhibits, and speeches during conferences, all of which provide exciting discussion topics. An excellent place to start is by asking them about food. You can get people to open up quickly this way, and you could even learn about a fantastic new eatery.

vii) Look for shared interests

A networking event aims to establish business relationships amongst strangers. You might be shocked by how much in common you share with the other businesspeople in the room.

Discuss the presenter, the event’s goal, or your common industry. Build the conversation around issues the other person is interested in; if they look bored by the presentation but excited to discuss the neighborhood market, seize the opportunity.

Do not allow a discussion to get stale because you feel constrained by a script.

You could converse with prospective customers at a multi-industry gathering. Expand your network and interact with other professionals in your field. You could come across employment possibilities or possible business partners.

Use your similarities to draw attention to the other person’s distinctive or intriguing characteristics. Engage with the objectives and successes they feel like discussing.

viii) Keep in touch with them

Any networking event requires one crucial but sometimes overlooked step: follow-up. Send emails to everyone with whom you had contact. To help people remember you, mention a few things. Finish by extending an invitation to meet for lunch or future collaboration.

Networking events are the beginning of a more extended conversation and professional connection. You’ll soon locate other professionals with whom you click if you have confidence in your personality and the services you provide.

Key Takeaway

When it comes to networking, knowing the right people is crucial if you want to advance in the corporate world. Successful businesspeople prioritize attending offline, and online networking events since each has its advantages.