Meetings in Person vs. Meetings Online
2014 has upheld the common affirmation that technology is used for anything and everything in our day-to-day routine. This includes using the net as a source of information, entertainment and communication. Something which is talked about less often are the problems of technology and communication being used in unison. Due to technology’s high regard in relation to time efficiency and versatility, it is rarely discussed how issues can arise when these two are operated in means of one another, especially in the realm of business.
In regards to online communication, one prominent issue exists when a computer or other mobile technology device becomes the middleman in a conversation between two or more people. A computer of any type lacks some of the vital aspects of communication – the chief of these being tone of voice and body language. An all-important human element is missing, which can be more important than you think when it comes to business. Winning clients, presenting strategy plans to existing clients or to other members on your team all require a certain level of originality, which may be the difference between a real success of your intended message, or the utter failure of it. When attempting to convey a message of such importance through an email for example, misunderstandings can often occur. When surveyed, a group of business communicators believed that almost 90% of their recipients would be able to fully comprehend the tone and meaning of their messages. In reality however, only 37% understood the initial intent of the sender. From these figures, you can understand why it is in the best interests of every business owner to encourage face-to-face communication whenever possible, rather than promoting online methods. This will help inspire confidence within the company, as employees will not have to rely on hiding behind a computer screen all day, and can learn to channel their individual charisma which got them their job in the first place.
Despite the convenience of software like Skype and other video call programs, nothing beats the importance of face-to-face meetings. You can make more of an impression when you meet someone in the flesh. You can add the human element that may be a deal maker or breaker. Building a business relationship of a high calibre can be achieved more efficiently and successfully in person. Conversation can slip into parenting tips, or favourite sports teams more naturally than it could over written dialogue. From the perspective of a business owner, you can properly meet a prospective client and make a more informed decision of whether you would like to work with them or not. The same principal applies internally as well. There is little point running a large company or corporation if none of your employees work as part of one main team. Bringing people of similar departments or job descriptions together can really help lift team and company morale, by really emphasising the importance of working as a team, and reinforcing that the name at the other end of an email is a real person with similar characteristics and abilities to themselves. Central London venue hire is always an option when it comes to bringing people together. Making the effort to bring the entire company together rather than setting up a Google Hangout can really go a long way. One central location can limit the stress of travelling and if tied in with a company-related holiday or event which is can be a great opportunity for team bonding. Even though technology itself will be the main way of communicating this event, it will play no further part in building these invaluable bonds once at the event.
A study has shown that if a company abolished its business travel budget, corporate profits would drop 17% in the first year. Landing new business requires a physical handshake rather than tedious language in an overworked and overthought about email.At the end of the day, due to our absolute reliance on technology in our heavily digital age, it has become almost second nature to ping over an email rather than picking up the phone and arranging a real meeting. Getting back to basics can really do a company a world of good, after all you never know what will arise when you just ha
chat with someone.
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