You would be forgiven for thinking that the convenience of digital communication has overshadowed the human touch and that the good old fashioned face to face meeting is out of date. Here at Venture Planner, we know it most definitely isn’t!

Even before the Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 and ‘lockdown,’ businesses were taking advantage of online meeting facilities – and why not? Such meetings save time, expenditure and are arguably kinder to the environment. However,  such online tools should never negate the need for the occasional face-to-face meet up. Here are the reasons why:

Deciphering Non-Verbal Cues

You can more readily interpret your client’s feelings when meeting in person. Body language, facial expressions, and gestures, that are more difficult to pick up on when looking at a computer screen, can tell you an awful lot. In the high-end hospitality industry, managers often conduct in person meetings with potential clients to discuss event planning or long-term stays. These interactions are rich opportunities to interpret non-verbal cues that can influence the negotiation and planning process. For example, when presenting different event themes or accommodation packages, a client's non-verbal reactions, such as excitement or concern, can provide immediate feedback on their preferences. This allows the manager to focus on the aspects that resonate most with the client and customise the offering to meet their expectations.

Another example may be during a site tour; here a client's body language can reveal their level of interest in specific amenities or services. If a client lingers in a particular area, asks detailed questions, or shows signs of approval, the manager can note these areas as selling points. Conversely, if the client seems unimpressed or indifferent, the manager can either provide additional information to highlight benefits or move on to showcase other features that might better align with the client's desires.

Building Stronger Bonds

When meeting in person, it is easier to bond and build lasting relationships. Quite often, technological difficulties such as audio and internet connections, can make it difficult to form a proper, meaningful, verbal connection, let alone build a rapport. Seeing your client occasionally and taking them out for lunch not only shows that you are prepared to invest time in them, but also gives the opportunity for you to hold a proper conversation. In this environment, they’re more likely to let their guard down and communicate their thoughts and feelings. Furthermore, it allows the chance to move away from business a little to show that you are a real human being rather than just a business face on a screen. This endears and helps to builds a stronger, more personal and more powerful relationships.

Handling Sensitive Topics with Care

Face to face meetings are a much better way of addressing any sensitive or potentially difficult issues. In person, you can express a much higher degree of empathy and understanding. You can also explain problems or issues more clearly without misinterpretation and certainly in the knowledge that there isn’t anyone else – out of sight BUT in ear shot - to hear what you’re saying. In the healthcare industry, for example, consultancies often work with medical professionals to improve patient care or with organizations to develop better healthcare strategies. These discussions can involve sensitive topics such as patient experiences, medical errors, or health policy changes. In-person meetings allow for a level of compassion and understanding that is difficult to replicate through digital means.

Engagement and Focus

Let’s face it, we’re all busy! Quite often, in online calls and meetings, the people we are talking to are multi-tasking - we know that we haven’t got their undivided attention; they’re simply going through the motions. Meeting in person eradicates the potential levels of distractions and allows for a more personal touch.

For instance, a custom tailoring business; when a client steps into the tailor's shop, the tailor can immediately assess the client's style, preferences, and body language. This direct engagement allows the tailor to recommend fabrics, styles, and cuts that align with the client's taste and body type. This ability to interact with the client, take precise measurements, and offer immediate feedback is invaluable and cannot be replicated online with the same level of precision and personalisation. The tailor's expertise is showcased in real-time, building trust and a reputation for meticulous care and customer service that often leads to repeat business and referrals.