Technology makes it convenient and easy to communicate with anyone, anywhere, at any time. But face-to-face meetings, whether with prospects, clients, or colleagues, has its merits. Jack Preston reported the following facts in his February 2014 Virgin Airlines entrepreneur post, “Infographic: The Importance of Face to Face Networking:”
Face-to-face meetings tend to be more positive and perceived as more credible than online conversations.
84% of people polled say they prefer in-person meetings over remote business meetings.
85% of those who said they prefer in-person meetings believe that getting face-to-face time builds stronger, more meaningful business relationships.
Face-to-face meetings generate more ideas and ideas of higher quality than remote meetings.
For every dollar companies invest in business travel, they receive a value of $12.50 in return.
Companies who invest in business travel convert 40% of their prospects because of face-to-face meetings.
Without face-to-face meetings, companies could lose as much as 28% of their current business.
So gather the department in the conference room. Add another trade show to the budget. Follow-up with a client in person. By doing so, you’ll put your best business face forward.