The many benefits of face-to-face meetings

Today’s technology has changed the way we do just about everything in business, including meetings. From emails to text and live chat, we have gotten used to the fact that we don’t necessarily have to be in the same room to get things done.

Even so, the benefits of face-to-face meetings are still too great to ignore. Some conversations simply don’t have the same impact as they do when you’re sitting across the table from someone.

In fact, studies show that face-to-face meetings are 34 percent more successful than email. That metric alone should give you impetus to start meeting in person more often, but if you need more convincing, here are some of the many benefits of face-to-face meetings:

1.    You are more persuasive in person

The Harvard Business Review study mentioned above found that people tend to overestimate the number of positive responses they get from their emails while underestimating the positive response from face-to-face meetings.

Since email is essentially one-way communication, there is little chance to empathize with the other person’s point of view. Without the benefit of a face-to-face you may miss some important visual cues – and they may not connect with your message at all. If you are only communicating electronically, you may miss the boat entirely.

2.    You can get more accomplished in a shorter timeframe

Meeting face-to-face eliminates the back and forth you experience when communicating via email or other electronic means. People get distracted, they don’t respond quickly, or they tune out completely, adding to your timelines and creating a bottleneck of inefficiency. When you meet up in person, it’s easy to get right down to business, address the issues, and make decisions in a timely manner. Now that’s progress!

3.    The emotional component

It’s easier to make a meaningful and emotional connection with another person if you’re meeting face-to-face. Whether this means sharing a laugh, infusing your team with the passion you feel on a topic or simply having a better grasp of the gravitas of a situation, in-person meetings create an important emotional connection. Arguably, this is key to influencing others and the best way to ensure you get the results you want.

4.    It’s easier to focus when you’re meeting face-to-face

Technology is great, but it has led to a lot of multi-tasking. This means that if you’re not meeting face-to-face, you run the risk of losing your audience in favor of the next message that comes across their multiple screens. People feel okay about doing this because they’re not sitting in the same room with you. They don’t have to focus, so they won’t. Meeting in person means that you have the other person’s undivided attention and can engage them in ways that simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

5.    Relationship building

A business relationship will never be as strong as it could be if you have only met in the virtual realm. Successful businesses are built on relationships. Lasting relationships are built on strong foundations. To foster a solid foundation of trust, opt for more face-to-face meetings, at least at the outset.

Heritage Office Suites in Round Rock and Georgetown offers fully equipped, on-demand meeting space for busy professionals. Drop by for a tour or give us a call to learn more about how we can support your business.

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