Jul 21

In Person Networking vs. Virtual Networking

Where do you get the best bang for your buck? And time?

Once upon a time, prior to this little global pandemic nuisance called COVID-19, business people happily networked over cocktails, at luncheons and conferences, and even in elevators as they merrily navigated up and down myriad suites in countless office buildings.

Then came an unprecedented (remember the constant use of that word?) shutdown of all that was natural to the business world. And just about everyone else. Road warriors remained at home, shut in with loved ones and as much toilet paper as they could hoard. Business communications shifted overnight to nearly 100% digital. It was a great moment for Zoom Video Communications.

Now that we're on the other side of the pandemic (finally!!), we have the benefit of both in person and virtual networking opportunities. Double the pleasure, double the fun. But double the investment and time? Nah ... we have to pick and choose, we can only do so much, which leads to the question of which to use. Is one better than the other?

Like so many things, it depends.

A woman with a long hair braid holds a ball in each hand, one labeled "in person networking" and the other "virtual networking," as she shrugs her shoulders and looks confused as to which to choose.

Pick the networking event and structure that's best suited to your

industry, personal preferences, and/or comfort level.

Pros and cons of in person networking

Personally, I love both types of networking. In person events come easy to this former sales gal. There's something about meeting others face-to-face that an online event just can't capture. The energy in the room, the dynamic between individuals that you can sense when they're in front of you, the fact that you're dealing with a human being looking directly into your eyes to make a connection.

I find that connections and even friendships develop much more quickly when we're in physical proximity to one another. First, we're inclined to be on our best behavior to treat the other person with attention and a modicum of respect when they're talking to us just inches away. Or at least you should, if your mother brought you up properly. We can't just disappear instantly from the room by hitting a button to "leave the meeting" or listen invisibly by turning off our camera. We're more memorable to each other because we tend to be "all there" vs. listening while distracted with other things going on in your physical space.

On the down side, some people just aren't comfortable walking into a room where they don't know anyone and striking up a conversation with a random stranger. In person events may not be conveniently scheduled at a place and time that work for you. There's traffic to contend with, travel time to factor in, dressing professionally (and not just from the waist up), and perhaps a bit of money to spend just to attend. Oh, and to park your car.

A young boy holds a chocolate bar in one hand and a piece of broccoli in the other, looking sidewise at the chocolate like he wants to eat it right away.

Pros and cons of virtual networking

Virtual networking, on the other hand, allows you to participate in events anywhere in the world, anytime of the day or night. I thoroughly enjoy networking with new friends I've made in Australia, Europe, the US west coast ... just about anywhere! I've had the opportunity to learn from people I otherwise would never have met and to participate in more events than I would care to spend the time and money otherwise to attend. I've also had the great pleasure to participate as a speaker in some wonderful virtual conferences.

Virtual attendance also allows me to sample more events, too, and to just disappear by leaving the meeting if they fail to meet expectations. Chat windows are invaluable for instantly sharing group information or for reaching out privately to other attendees. I also appreciate being able to drop in for as much time as my schedule allows, without risking the embarrassment of being caught sneaking out of a less than stellar physical event.

As for the cons, well, like I said, virtual networking for me just doesn't pack as big a punch as meeting people online. It can be problematic for event planners, too, who can't as easily gauge the interest of their audience, especially if cameras are off. Furthermore, attendees can easily come and go - or not show up at all - and it can seem to speakers that they're talking into a void.

In person networking lends a dynamic that you just can't duplicate online. Virtual networking, on the other hand, lets you participate in events anywhere in the world.

Find the right mix for YOU

It's a nice problem to have, being able to choose from so many networking organizations. I like a mix of both. In person, I have PROWIN, my local women's group, where I've taken a leadership position planning events like speaker luncheons. I truly enjoy sitting down to a great Italian family-style luncheon with a roomful of professional, business-minded women and learning from a terrific speaker. I also tremendously enjoy in-person voiceover conferences like VO Atlanta, where this year 1000 voice actors, coach, agents, casting directors, audio engineers, and many, many industry friends gathered to learn, network, and socialize.

On the other hand, I'm actively involved with the Grand Connection, a virtual networking organization that brings together people (mostly) from all over the US and Canada. I've met so many interesting and talented people in all sorts of industries, given and received business referrals, and been invited to speak on at least a dozen or so podcasts and webinars since joining about 18 months ago. I've presented at Grand Connection conferences, too, and donated gifts of services to their giveaways for members and guests. In fact, if you're reading this in July 2024, click here to access over 50 free gifts from participating businesses. Here's a sneak peak at six businesses, of which I am one, that are donating gifts (I come on at 17:43):

Whichever you choose, do what's best and most comfortable for you. One size certainly does not fit all and our preferences will shift with our moods, availability, and circumstances in life. The point is to network. How you do it is truly secondary to doing it in the first place.

Laura's Quick Tips

It's a banquet out there! Check out networking organizations that are within your industry, your locale, or aligned to your field.
Don't overdo it; I find that two or three good organizations are enough, especially if you're going to devote sufficient time to get to know the people in them and take advantage of what the organization has to offer.
You'll get the most value from the organizations you give of your time and talent. Every organization is eager to recruit contributors. Choose carefully, but know that you'll often gain more in benefits than what you provide with increased visibility, relationship-building, and demonstrations of your knowledge and skills.

Don't forget to look into the groups hosted on Facebook and LinkedIn. I'm active in quite a few Facebook groups geared for actors, voice actors, and local women in marketing and communications. They provide excellent advice, support, and information that's timely and relevant to their niche membership. While they're technically not networking organizations, I've made many strong connections through them.

LinkedIn groups generally are not so strong; many of them are too filled with people advertising their services to suit me. Search for groups in your industry and see which ones are actively run and managed by hands-on administrators. Keep your eye out for private groups, too. These may or may not have a memershipship involved, but I belong to one, Espresso+ run by LinkedIn guru John Espirian, that is a consistent source of excellent advice and information from top notch LinkedIn coaches around the world.