To be absolutely clear I am not talking about self-awareness, being in the moment or any of the other very popular phrases that seem to be overused and under delivered at the moment. Instead let’s explore something which is key to good consulting, building trust and success through face to face, in person meetings.
In today's digital age, the convenience of virtual meetings has become the norm for many businesses. With the rise of platforms like Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, it's easy to conduct meetings from the comfort of our own homes or offices. However, with the ease of online communication, there's a huge value in making the effort to sit down in person with clients every so often. Beyond the screen lies a world of human interaction that creates understanding, trust, and ultimately, success in business.
What made me think of this topic? well the scenario of a recent visit to a client in London was most definitely the trigger. Despite the challenges of train and underground delays and arriving soaking wet from the rain, the face-to-face meeting yielded exceptional results. In just four hours, more was accomplished than could have been achieved in countless virtual meetings. With the time spent working on the train to and from the client plus the wrap up at the end of the day the client got exceptional value for money. But bigger than that we managed to move their business forward much further than using remote sessions. But why is this the case?
Being present in person allows for a deeper level of connection that crosses the digital divide. It's about more than just discussing business; it's about building a genuine relationship. When meeting face-to-face, there's an opportunity to pick up on subtle cues, such as body language and tone of voice, that may be missed in virtual interactions. These cues provide invaluable insights into the client's needs, concerns, and priorities, allowing for a more tailored and effective approach to problem-solving. The aim of the meeting was to do one thing. By the end of the meeting we put that task on the shelf and pivoted to tackle something underlying that was far more important. And as a bonus the resolution of the new issue will positively affect the one they wanted solving in the first place.
Human interaction fosters trust in a way that technology simply cannot replicate. When clients see that you've taken the time and effort to meet with them in person, it sends a powerful message of commitment and dedication. It shows that you value their business enough to invest your time and energy into nurturing the relationship. This level of trust is the foundation upon which successful partnerships are built.
But it's not just about business; it's about building a rapport on a personal level as well. Taking the time to share a coffee and a chat allows for casual conversation that can often lead to valuable insights and shared interests. These moments of connection help to strengthen the bond between client and consultant, creating a more collaborative and productive working relationship.
In addition to building trust and understanding, face-to-face meetings also facilitate faster decision-making. In a world where time is of the essence, the ability to quickly and effectively make decisions with a client can have a significant impact on their business. Being present allows for real-time problem-solving and decision-making, without the delays and miscommunications that can sometimes occur in virtual meetings.
As a CEO or founder, it's important to recognize the value of being present in person with clients. While virtual meetings certainly have their place, there's no substitute for the human connection that comes from face-to-face interaction. By making the effort to meet with clients in person, even if it's just for a quick coffee and a chat, you demonstrate your commitment to their success and lay the groundwork for a fruitful and long-lasting partnership.
As a brand and product consultant, my commitment to being present extends beyond just showing up at meetings. It's about being fully engaged, actively listening, and understanding the unique needs and goals of each client. By fostering genuine connections and building trust through face-to-face interaction, I help businesses achieve their objectives and drive growth in an ever-changing marketplace.
Simply put the power of being present cannot be overstated. In a world that's increasingly dominated by technology, taking the time to connect with clients on a personal level is more important than ever. By investing in face-to-face meetings, business leaders can build trust, foster understanding, and ultimately, achieve success. So, the next time you have the opportunity to meet with a client in person, seize it. You never know what transformative insights and opportunities may arise from a simple coffee and a chat.
What do you think do you do enough consulting in person? Have you engaged with a consultant that has done everything remotely but felt there was not enough connection to get effective results? I would love to hear your thoughts.
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