Given the option, which would you choose: watching the NCAA Final Four on TV, or attending the games in person, immersed in the energy, sights and sounds of a packed arena?
It’s a no-brainer, right?
It’s a no-brainer, right?
With the proliferation of email, cell phones, Skype, and Social Media Sites, we now have access to exciting and affordable technology that makes it easier than ever to interact with each other, regardless of distance. But believe it or not, the same factors that tip the scales in favor of watching a basketball game in person still play an essential role in communication as well. Even in business a great sale, achievement, deal closing is driven by great in person customer experiences with a perfect mix of friendliness and professionalism. You can stand out from the competition by delighting each and every person in person.
It seems deceivingly simple, right? But unfortunately, it appears this strategy is becoming less and less common, and based on the feedback we received from our reporters, “in person” is all too often an overlooked form of communication.
So what specifically makes an in-person meeting so impactful? There is seemingly endless research available that touts the importance of non-verbal communication cues, but on a less scientific level, I’ll share a few of my own observations:
1. Energy: Unless an email is filled with exclamation points (and let’s be honest, over-punctuation can be hard to read!!!), it’s difficult to convey the enthusiasm and energy needed to make something compelling. Phone calls can also fall flat, especially when hindered by zero facial expressions or body language and awkward pauses (does “Sorry, I was on mute,” ring a bell?).
2. Tone: You know what email doesn’t have? A sense of tone. Do you know how often this has caused a recipient to misinterpret/overreact/under react to a simple statement? All the time.
3. Give-and-take: During the “Traveling Product Showcase,” one of the best interviews we conducted was less of a Q&A session, and more of a conversation. The verbal tennis match between our executive and the reporter was unlike anything I’ve seen during a media engagement, and the discussion was exhilarating, informative and valuable for all involved. As the reporter later put it, “There are just some conversations that can’t be had over the phone or email.”
4. Effort: Taking the time to arrange an in-person meeting says a lot about how much you value the other person. Trust me, it won’t go unnoticed.
5. It’s just more fun: This may be oversimplifying everything, but humans are social by nature. We thrive on interaction, so why should we limit our engagements to computer screens and phone lines?
So the next time you’re planning an interview (or any type of interaction, for that matter), consider making the time and effort to meet in person. You’ll be surprised by how much value it can add to your experience.
So what specifically makes an in-person meeting so impactful? There is seemingly endless research available that touts the importance of non-verbal communication cues, but on a less scientific level, I’ll share a few of my own observations:
1. Energy: Unless an email is filled with exclamation points (and let’s be honest, over-punctuation can be hard to read!!!), it’s difficult to convey the enthusiasm and energy needed to make something compelling. Phone calls can also fall flat, especially when hindered by zero facial expressions or body language and awkward pauses (does “Sorry, I was on mute,” ring a bell?).
2. Tone: You know what email doesn’t have? A sense of tone. Do you know how often this has caused a recipient to misinterpret/overreact/under react to a simple statement? All the time.
3. Give-and-take: During the “Traveling Product Showcase,” one of the best interviews we conducted was less of a Q&A session, and more of a conversation. The verbal tennis match between our executive and the reporter was unlike anything I’ve seen during a media engagement, and the discussion was exhilarating, informative and valuable for all involved. As the reporter later put it, “There are just some conversations that can’t be had over the phone or email.”
4. Effort: Taking the time to arrange an in-person meeting says a lot about how much you value the other person. Trust me, it won’t go unnoticed.
5. It’s just more fun: This may be oversimplifying everything, but humans are social by nature. We thrive on interaction, so why should we limit our engagements to computer screens and phone lines?
So the next time you’re planning an interview (or any type of interaction, for that matter), consider making the time and effort to meet in person. You’ll be surprised by how much value it can add to your experience.
PART 2
I think we can all agree that young people do things a little differently. This statement will probably hold true for years to come, too. As a 20-something, I’d be lying if I told you I’m not addicted to my iPhone and that I don’t sit in front of my computer all day firing emails across the WWW. My social circle relies heavily on electronic communication, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I can’t remember the last time I picked up the phone rather than sending a text to make plans.
The epidemic extends into the professional world, too. In the last month, I’ve logged in to more virtual meetings than I’ve seen clients’ offices. I have multiple screen-sharing and remote access applications on my computer. A lot of folks out there will tell you this is the direction the world is heading, that our ability to connect at a moment’s notice makes us more productive.
On one hand I agree, but on the other hand I think the more connected we become the farther apart we get. Here are a couple of things young folks ought to keep in mind before hitting “send”:
• You might have graduated magna cum laude and have a laundry list of professional certifications on your LinkedIn profile, but this will only get you so far. How are we to build credibility and trust with our managers and clients from behind a laptop? Last time I checked, you can’t download a good reputation.
• Out of sight, out of mind. Your parents dragged you to the dentist all through your childhood for good reason. Your bosses and clients want to see that beautiful smile. From a project management perspective, nothing is more important to a client than physically seeing someone working on the project for which they are paying your employer. In terms of your own managers, it’s comforting to physically see someone working. It’s also a lot easier for managers to interact with their team if they’re all in the same physical location.
• Build confidence. You’re not going to be CEO one day if you can’t talk to people. Practice makes perfect. Emailing and other electronic forms of communication prevent us from getting in front of executives and getting accustomed to interacting with important people. The folks you want impress can sense when you’re nervous.
• There’s no “I” in team. Collaborative efforts work best in the absence of electronic communication. There are multiple apps out there to facilitate collaboration, delegate project tasks and share documents, but when the actual work happens, nothing beats human interaction – be it phone call or face-to-face meeting.
So here’s my challenge to you: ditch the technology. Get up and walk into your manager’s office. If you use the term “client” in your job, make a habit of spending time face-to-face with them. Pick up the phone and call your clients instead of emailing them. Telecommute less. Trust me, your efforts won’t go unnoticed.
The epidemic extends into the professional world, too. In the last month, I’ve logged in to more virtual meetings than I’ve seen clients’ offices. I have multiple screen-sharing and remote access applications on my computer. A lot of folks out there will tell you this is the direction the world is heading, that our ability to connect at a moment’s notice makes us more productive.
On one hand I agree, but on the other hand I think the more connected we become the farther apart we get. Here are a couple of things young folks ought to keep in mind before hitting “send”:
• You might have graduated magna cum laude and have a laundry list of professional certifications on your LinkedIn profile, but this will only get you so far. How are we to build credibility and trust with our managers and clients from behind a laptop? Last time I checked, you can’t download a good reputation.
• Out of sight, out of mind. Your parents dragged you to the dentist all through your childhood for good reason. Your bosses and clients want to see that beautiful smile. From a project management perspective, nothing is more important to a client than physically seeing someone working on the project for which they are paying your employer. In terms of your own managers, it’s comforting to physically see someone working. It’s also a lot easier for managers to interact with their team if they’re all in the same physical location.
• Build confidence. You’re not going to be CEO one day if you can’t talk to people. Practice makes perfect. Emailing and other electronic forms of communication prevent us from getting in front of executives and getting accustomed to interacting with important people. The folks you want impress can sense when you’re nervous.
• There’s no “I” in team. Collaborative efforts work best in the absence of electronic communication. There are multiple apps out there to facilitate collaboration, delegate project tasks and share documents, but when the actual work happens, nothing beats human interaction – be it phone call or face-to-face meeting.
So here’s my challenge to you: ditch the technology. Get up and walk into your manager’s office. If you use the term “client” in your job, make a habit of spending time face-to-face with them. Pick up the phone and call your clients instead of emailing them. Telecommute less. Trust me, your efforts won’t go unnoticed.
