While we’ve all been in lockdown, the share price of popular video conferencing app Zoom has skyrocketed. COVID-19 means that we’re now more reliant on our technology than ever before to stay in touch with each other. 

But when the current episode passes, we will return once again to the real world and meeting our clients, and customers face-to-face will become the norm. 

Meeting people in person at a custom exhibition stand or in-store isn’t just a relic of the past. It is fundamentally connected to who we are as human beings. Sometimes, we let technology and efficiency get the better of us. We believe that just because communicating over the internet is cheaper and faster, it is somehow superior. 

But that’s not how things work. Sure, you can see somebody’s face and watch their expressions, but there’s nothing quite like being in physical proximity. There’s no substitute. 

In this post, we’re going to take a look at the beauty of meeting your customers face-to-face. Here’s why it is so vital for people in business. 

You Appear More Authentic

The internet is incredible at connecting people, but it also cheapens our social interactions. There’s no cost involved in opening Zoom on your laptop and calling whoever you want. 

The same is not valid, however, of meeting in person. You have to back up your story with actions. You can’t just spam webinars ad infinitum. You need something that feels tangible and real to your customers. 

Appearing in person at a tradeshow or live event also helps you to look more authoritative and genuine. Customers get to see your body language – a critical yardstick they use to judge your competence. The more impressive your in-person interaction, the more likely they will be to remember you and seek you out in the future. 

You Can Market More Effectively

A banner ad on a website or a video on social media can help drum up business. But there’s nothing quite like an in-person interaction for making a sale. It feels so much more intimate and memorable than the generic advertising that you so often find on the web. 

Of course, when it comes to in-person interactions, you have to be more selective. You can’t afford to waste your precious time, interacting with every potential prospect that comes your way. You need a way to home in on those people who are most likely to buy from you. 

Unfortunately, there are no easy answers here for how to do this. It depends primarily on your judgement. 

You Can Form Partnerships And Upsell

Customers want solutions, but sometimes the only way to get them is to work in partnership with an outside agency. Forming a collaboration over the web is a massive challenge – anyone who has tried internet dating will know this. But creating one in person is much more comfortable. It feels so much more natural. And it opens up inherent opportunities for upselling. 

Don’t be afraid, therefore, to meet your customers face-to-face. It could be one of the best decisions that you make.