INCOMING

The big question

Face-to-face networking is back! Do you find this brings a real positive to your business, conversations, and connections?

Jointheconversation

/businesscornwall @biz_cornwall /businesscornwall/

businesscornwall.co.uk

TAMSIN POND

TalentTide

As a new business which launched during the pandemic, we stepped into an incredibly interesting moment in time for networking. Today, people are more connected online than ever - but there’s no doubt that those in-person, face-toface interactions are the real deal when it comes to building personal connections. Getting back out there has been absolutely vital to our business development, and we’ve loved every minute of it.

BEN CLEMENTS

Peaky Digital

It’s brilliant to be networking again inperson. Whilst online formats hold some advantages such as reducing travel time or perhaps being able to attend a greater number of events, at Peaky Digital we find face-to-face networking holds so much value. In person events feel as though they benefit from following a format that is less restricted than online alternatives. It’s great to be able to engage in flowing conversations, whether that be one-to-one or within a group of people.

ALISON OLIVER

Bishop Fleming

There is no doubt video meetings have been both life and business savers over the peak of the pandemic and continue to be a very useful tool. They will retain their place in business contact of the future partly replacing phone calls. However, for me they do not and will not replace in person networking. Looking at the numbers attending Cornwall Chamber’s business fair last week I know I am not alone. The ability to interact with large numbers of people in a short period of time is invaluable. The informal nature means not only do we discuss issues which you wouldn’t on a video meeting which helps bond with connections, but also face to face networking facilitates meeting new contacts that would never happen online in the same way.

KIRSTY DAVEY

Coodes

In my view it is at the core of what we do. We are instructed on the basis that we are trusted and there is only so good a connection that you can make digitally. There is something you cannot replicate in the way that someone expresses themselves and makes you feel in person, with so much communication being through body language and just getting to look into the whites of someone’s eyes!

KATHERINE NISSEN

Cornwall Rural Community Charity

We held an event in June – the Reconnection Tour – where 25 charities were able to get together, network and share their stories about how we’ve all been helping people and communities through incredibly difficult times. It was such a joy to get out from behind the computer screen and meet in person. We were able to be creative and build stronger relationships across the sector – we’re looking forward to keeping the conversations and great work going for the benefit of Cornwall’s residents.

CLAIRE MARTIN

Perfect Sums

We are super excited that face-to-face networking is back. If feels like there is a real buzz in the networking community. Being able to put a face to a name of so many people we have connected with over the lockdown period has been priceless. We are looking forward to the opportunity to embrace more networking over the coming months.

NICHOLA CAIN

Voice Communications

I value connection, so meeting people face to face again is important to me. I personally feel this helps to build and strengthen relationships and has a positive impact on my own wellbeing. We are social beings and for myself, as a person and as a leader, I value what these interactions give me, my business and community.

TAYLOR TRELOAR

The Dash Group

It’s been great pleasure to get back out on the road and to finally put a face to a name. People buy from people after all; networking is an essential component to both growing a business and expanding your connections. I feel you get a better sense of how a conversation is progressing when face to face, through reading one’s non-verbal cues and body language. It also gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality, represent your brand and get your business noticed. Let’s go for a coffee, or pop in for a cream tea?