For more than twenty years, the publication has kept Australian business leaders and entrepreneurs informed and has a reputation as a leading business resource.

Here, we break down networking and whether face-to-face business networking is perhaps more important than online.

This article showcases the benefits of networking in business and insights from business leaders on how they network in person.
In your opinion, how important is the ‘face-to-face’ element of networking?

Lana Weal says: 

“Networking in person provides a great opportunity for human connection that is unmatched by technology. Something magical happens when people are in a room together, focusing on their shared interests. We’re able to make eye contact, read body language, and communicate more effectively. When we’re in the same physical space as someone we’re meeting for the first time, we receive nonverbal cues to confirm if our messages are being received, and we can adjust our message in real time for better understanding.

One of the main benefits of attending business events for networking purposes is the serendipitous meetings that occur frequently. You never know who you could meet when you arrive at the event, hover around food tables or are brave enough to strike up a conversation in the bathroom. Technology like event apps can create more chances to connect with like-minded people, but communicating via written messages or via phone takes time to create strong and personal connections.”