The assumption was: you can really only build a relationship by regularly physically meeting in person – right?
However, in truth, how effective were most of the 1-on-1 coffee meetings you had?
You may have really enjoyed having-a-coffee with someone — but how many times did you continue to meet to build a real trust-based relationship and what tangible results actually came from it?
How effective were the physical networking meetings you regularly attended?
While you may have enjoyed the social interaction how much travel time was there in addition to the time spent at the meeting?
By the time you jumped in your car and drove to the venue and back home?
With the right culture, online network building is a real game-changer because:
Experience has shown
You actually can build great relationships with people you have not yet met in person
Online meetings can be fun, engaging & very productive (when well-organised around a great culture)
Which means
Your reach has now dramatically grown – to a much great market (the geographic boundaries are rapidly disappearing!)
You can save a great deal of time – Zooming from the comfort of your home!
Your experience of network building is greatly improved – others are willing and more able to help you
