The oldest way to build relationships is getting together in-person.
Over the years other technologies have played a significant role in communications and relationship building.
So Many Ways
These have included drums, smoke signals, semaphore, telegraph, yodeling, pony express, carrier pigeons, mail, telephone, email, text messages, social media, and teleconference technology such as Skype, Zoom, and Google Hangouts.
However, they have not replaced the impact of in-person meetings.
Even our world leaders, with all the technology available to them, gather for face-to-face summits.
Years ago, after smoke signals and before social media, I heard someone say that we must circulate to percolate.
We were encouraged to get out of the office and attend events to add to our Rolodex.
We also knew that getting together with our established contacts made existing relationships stronger as we got to know one another better.
Water must circulate through a coffee percolator to contact the coffee grounds and become coffee. So it is with us. We must contact and connect with people in-person to build long lasting mutually beneficial relationships.
Don’t Be Side-Lined
Some might say that they don’t have to, thinking that everything is working out just fine without in-person meetings.
But what that person does not know is that someone else is making that in-person contact, and becoming more memorable and valued because of that effort. Eventually, the person who is making that extra effort will have his or her name moved up the list of important contacts. And when a need arises, the natural thing to do will be to call the person who is known, trusted and liked the most.
That’s right. I said liked.
People prefer to do business with people they like. And to be liked, a person must be known and trusted.
Getting together with someone in or out of their office is the beginning of building a relationship that matters based on familiarity and trust.
The risk is that we don’t know how to present ourselves professionally and somehow we ruin the opportunity. But that is very unlikely if your heart and mind are in the right place of wanting to get to know someone better so you can be of service to them.
The Break Out Session is about building confidence, connection, and professional presence so we can fit all the pieces together and build strong business relationships. It can help with non-business friends too.
Join me in circulating and percolating.
Take-a-Ways
- Get together with people in person.
- Don’t miss out by not being the better-known person.
- Find ways to serve others.
- Behave Professionally
If your organization needs a program about Professional Presence, Basic Presentation Skills for Overcoming Stage Fright or Thinking on Your Feet, see my Speakers Page at www.tomhailey.com and contact me at thailey@tomhailey.com or 1-859-474-2806.
