Photo credit: Maryland GovPics
Virtual meetings save time and money, allow for multitasking, and you can do them from anywhere. Furthermore, the technology that makes these meetings possible is becoming more reliable and easier to use. However, are these advantages worth it in the long run? Recent studies say no. Generally speaking, decreasing in-person meetings will eventually have negative effects on revenue, so don’t hack away at the travel budget.
In an article on entrepreneur.com, Drew Martin, founder and CEO of MeCam, described having problems with his Taiwan-based manufacturer. After months of trying to solve the issues from opposite sides of the world, the two parties met at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Martin said:
What had set us back about three or four months we got done in about four hours.
While some virtual meetings may be inevitable, keep in mind they leave out some vital elements of interpersonal communication.
Displays Emotional Intelligence
These days employers are placing a high value on what’s known as Emotional Intelligence (EI), higher even than IQ. EI is a measurement of an individual’s ability to recognize and interpret the emotions of others as well as the ability to effectively manage and convey their own. A big part of EI is reading emotional reactions in body language. Demonstrating Emotional Intelligence over an email or video conference is no easy task. Subtle nuances in body language that are easily interpreted in person are missed on a virtual platform. You’ll engage in a business deal, not really knowing how the other person feels.
Builds Personal Relationships
A handshake is difficult when it doesn’t take place in person. I say difficult and not impossible because the future is now and I want to stay relevant for as long as possible. Anyway, a handshake at the beginning and end is an effective way of bookending a meeting. Reason being, the neurochemical oxytocin, aka “the cuddle hormone,” is released during person-to-person contact. Oxytocin incites feelings of closeness and trust in the participants. If you’re closing a deal over a conference call or email, you’re missing out on an opportunity to instill confidence in your partner.
Provides Less Opportunity for Distraction
On a phone call especially, you really have no idea what the person on the other end is doing. They could be responding to emails, watching the construction workers outside, or painting a still life of the basket of fruit on the conference table. Face-to-Face, the person you’re meeting with is giving you their undivided attention. At most they’re sipping coffee, or taking notes. Maybe they’re eating if this meeting is taking place at a restaurant.
Something to Shoot For
Reserve virtual meetings for the more arbitrary of tasks. For critical ventures like hiring new employees, negotiating contracts, and meeting new clients, if possible, meet in person. Shake hands and get to know them in the real world; participate in the mutual exchange of oxytocin. This will set a precedent of trust and caring between you and your clients, co-workers, and business partners.
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This guest post was written by Reed Parker. Reed writes about nothing in particular. He just wants to feel better about getting an English degree.
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