Networking Beyond the Internet: Why Business Events Still Matter?

Every business owner knows that networking is the cornerstone to building brand awareness and growing the business. However, as more businesses take to the internet for most interaction and engagement, the significance of tangible, in-person, interactions that take place at business events and conferences is overlooked. Though it is important to stay up-to-date with current technologies and trends, it is equally important not to neglect traditional method of networking that can take your business to the next level.

Business Events Let Professionals See Who You Are

It’s one thing to create a profile on social media and quite another to share with people who you are in person. Though social media is a huge factor in how many businesses and business professionals network, it cannot be the sole source. There is something personal about face to face conversation that you get from a business event that is non-existent online. Digital interactions have the inability to show expressions and portray a message in a way that will be best perceived by those you’re trying to connect with. Attending business events allows people to put a face and personality to the name and brand.

Business Events Provide Instant Feedback

Part of attending conferences, networking events, and trade shows is to put your products or services to the test, or, more importantly, to learn more about the industry you’re in. Though you could pose questions online, that doesn’t always garner factual, instant responses that can be used to help your brand grow. On the contrary, incorporating tech innovations like mobile conference apps for attendees to post information, ask questions, and provide feedback creates a better platform for growth.

Business Events Provide Tangible Goods

Online advertisements are great and can help businesses to get the word out about their brand, but the internet space is crowded. There are millions of businesses online vying for attention from potential customers utilizing the same digital practices. Customers have short attention spans and after being online for a short time can quickly forget about your brand, product, or service.

When hosting or attending business events, however, you can provide tangible goods that will last long beyond any post or corner advertisement on a website. Promotional products like flash drives, key chains, calendars, pens, and more are frequently used by customers providing a constant reminder of your brand and how you can best service them.

Business Events Provide You with Direct Knowledge of Your Industry

Whether you’ve been studying in your chosen business industry for a while or you’re new to the whole idea, you’ll need to know the latest about your industry to succeed. Though online research can produce several valuable resources to learn from, not all information on the net is created equally. Researching dated or inaccurate information provides you with a false representation of your industry. Attending and hosting business events allows you to get to hear from others in your industry and get firsthand knowledge that can be beneficial in growing your brand.

Business Events Allow You Exclusive Access

Getting the trade secrets, best technologies, and top advice is ideal for staying ahead of the competition. While you can spend hours researching the best options for your brand, it will not generate the same results you would receive by attending a business event. Trade shows and conferences are notorious for providing businesses with insider tips, products, and services that can help them to expand. As startups and established businesses share their new merchandise and trade secrets with attendees at conferences, this information can be used to take your business to a new level.

Yes, in this digital age we live in, keeping up with the growing trends of online marketing is necessary for your business to grow. However, you should not neglect more traditional methods of networking and connecting with others in your industry, like conferences and business events. It is imperative to find a balance that allows you to engage digitally while interacting on a personal level with like-minded professionals. It is then that you will truly see your business flourish.