Using online networking is a big part of business these days. Many companies use online networking almost exclusively. This is a mistake. Just because you are using online marketing, doesn’t mean that you should abandon offline networking.

Networking offline provides that face-to-face interaction that people really crave. If you are only interacting with your customers or with other business associates through online communications you are missing a chance to get the whole picture. Anyone can attest to the fact that communicating in person can’t be replaced. The best way to network is through a combination of offline and online communications. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Online Networking

Online networking has many benefits. Most obvious is that it is convenient. You can interact with others on your own schedule. You can squeeze in an hour or so to work on online networking. You don’t have to leave home to do it or even get out of your pajamas. It is easy.

Online networking also lets you connect with people who you may not otherwise be able to connect with. Someone may be too far away for you to easily meet with or you may have schedules that just do not allow you both to meet in one physical location. Online networking allows you to meet with people without having to worry about distance and also lets you talk through various methods that do not require you both be present at the same time.

Online networking really lets you expand your abilities. You have the whole world at your fingertips. You can meet up with someone from across the world in a simple and easy way. This is something you just can’t do, or at least not do easily, with offline networking.

Offline Networking

Networking offline has been something people have done since the beginning of time. Personal interaction is one of the biggest downfalls of the internet. Many people prefer a face-to-face meeting with someone before they will do business with them. They do not trust online profiles or websites and want to meet someone in person so they can verify they are actually a real person and they can get a feel for the person.

One of the things that is lost through online networking is the conveyance of emotions and body language. Yes, you can add punctuation or use symbols to convey emotions, but they do not always get through to the person you are talking to. Many issues have come from someone not understanding the emotion behind a typed out message.

Body language is very important, especially in business. Online networking lacks body language. You may not realize it, but people use body language a lot. It can often say more than the actually words that are being spoken. Body language can reflect attitude, emotion and true feelings. Many aspects of communication come through body language and when you are only communicating online you lose that dimension of communication.

Offline networking adds a personal touch to your online networking. It is a great reinforcement for those relationships and helps you to build a deeper connection with people you have met online. It gives you more creditability and helps people to really see who you are and to understand you and your business.

Making the Most of Networking

You will find that you can network with many of your contacts both online and offline. Do not miss the chance to meet in person with someone you have connected with online. Also, don’t miss out on the chance to continue networking online with someone that you have met with offline. Take full advantage of all networking opportunities. Combine your online and offline networking to make the most of every relationship you have made.

Networking will never go away. Having relationships and making connections with others is an important part of business. Offline networking is a staple and online networking is just part of the evolution of networking. Networking will continue to evolve, but you should never forget the old tried and true methods of networking. Try to combine your networking efforts so that you can build the best relationships and make the strongest connections.