How to reconnect as we emerge from pandemic
As more and more people are getting vaccinated, it’s time to start thinking about jumpstarting your in person face-to-face meetings again. Think about your contact list. Since your network is one of the most important aspects of your personal brand, it’s important to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in the past year.
Maybe you have lost touch with some key people that you used to see at networking events and maybe there are others who you’ve met through social media but now you want to meet them in person. As we emerge from COVID (and once you feel safe), it will feel good to dust off that contact list and reconnect.
Here’s a few ideas on how to approach re-entry to real meetings versus virtual meetings post COVID.
Start your own letter writing campaign
People love to get old fashioned snail mail, specifically when it’s not an invoice. Pick 2 to 3 contacts per day and send them a note telling them that you have been thinking about them and you would like to get together when they feel up to it. Then tell them you will follow up by email with some proposed dates. Mark your calendar for two weeks from when you send the letter and mail them dates for a meeting.
Meet with no agenda
Sometimes the best ideas come from meetings with no agenda. Just grabbing a cup of coffee or a glass of wine can result in something positive for your business. You would be amazed how much you can learn when you least expect it.
Get out of the office for meetings
We need to support our coffee shops and restaurants so try to make plans to ‘get around’ your hometown or even travel to another city or town to meet. Sit outside if your colleagues are feeling uncomfortable.
Re-entry anxiety is real
If you find someone who doesn’t want to meet with you and turns you down, don’t take it personally. There are a few reasons people may reject you. Many people are still nervous about getting COVID. Others just have been isolated for far too long and are worried about connecting in person. Maybe networking was a chore for them before COVID and they are out of practice. If this happens to be you, then rely on the buddy system. Invite a colleague or friend to go with you to a networking event. Start with the small talk and build from there. You can do it!
Reflect on your pre-COVID times
Who were some people you met with in person pre-COVID? Ask them if they want to pick up where you left off. Chances are they will appreciate the reminder and want to at least connect virtually. If they are not comfortable in person, suggest meeting outside somewhere with masks on. Nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. Your relationship and connection will be so much more meaningful when you meet in person.
Face-to-face meetings are necessary
Business can’t exist without them. Always remember face-to-face meetings are vital to long-lasting business relationships.
Read the non-verbal communication
Meeting in person allows you to read people’s body language. According to research, non-verbal cues account for most of what people intend to say. It’s challenging to read people’s crucial body language, inflections, and tone during a virtual meeting.
In person meetings get people to “yes”
If you are trying to close a deal or make a sale, you are more likely to do this in person. People are more likely to say no through an email, over the phone or in a virtual meeting. It’s more difficult for someone to say ‘no’ in person. If you are trying to build a relationship, convey important information and convince them of something it’s much easier to do this in person. Remember, the more difficult the conversation, the more important it is that you meet in person.
Less distractions in person
When you are sitting across the table from someone, the chance of getting distracted is greatly minimized. Sure, people may check their mobile devices, but during virtual meetings people tend to mute, listen to music, and work on another computer while they are in your meeting. That doesn’t sound like a productive meeting.
Meetings are good for your health
Humans are social creatures, and we need the serotonin and dopamine that come from being face-to-face with other humans. Once you are fully vaccinated and safe it’s time to intentionally make some appointments. You’ve got this!
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