The Importance of a Hug and a Handshake

by | Sep 19, 2011 | Business in General, Marketing in General | 7 comments

It’s Monday and I’m just getting back into the groove after being gone all last week. Where was I? I was in California helping my husband with his business: TheExecEvent which is a 2.5 day Live Event for High Tech Executives in the Data Storage and related technology industries. We get 150 high level peers in one place to network, build relationships and learn from each other to help grow their businesses.

I’ve written before about this event and the value of live events. I have even done a 60 and 30 minute webinar teaching people how to get the most of out live events and to work the event to their advantage. (If you want to see that let me know).

Well, I saw it in action again and it continues to prove to me that relationships are still best build person to person, face to face. Sure, in our Internet connected world, you can build relationships with people that are trusting and strong and then when you meet them in person it is just awesome.

This is why going to conferences and industry events, no matter your industry are very important. And I will tell you, there are a lot of events to attend. Yes, you have to pick and choose wisely but the more you go to the more relationships you build and the more your business can grow.

One of the ExecEvent attendees told us on Friday that he’s had a number of great meetings and has at least 20 people to contact when he gets back to the office to discuss partnering with – that’s 20 more than he started with when he got there.

Same thing in internet or network marketing. When you can meet someone in person you get a feel for them and who they are even more than you can via email or phone. You can see their smile or their frown. You can see if they are happy or grumpy, motivated or not.

I do have a system for working live events that I’ll talk about in another post. Right now, I am in catch up mode but I wanted to share that no matter the industry live events are IMPORTANT.

LIVE EVENTS ARE WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS

To give you an example of something you can do while at a live event that will help you boost your visibility I want to share with you a great post that my own accountability partner Ken Pickard aka The Network Dad did during the Unstoppable Entrepreneur event this past May. Remember – there’s all kinds of things you can do and takeaways you can have at live events. Be creative. 

In his post, Ken interviews a number of internet marketing and network marketing leaders and they willingly give him their input because they know Ken is going to share it with his audience. (In full disclosure, I’m in the video).

You can check it out here: 11 Networking Strategies. I can tell you there is at least one item from each individual that will help you in your business. I know this because I’ve watched it and written down and used the the tips myself.

OK, back to figuring out my to do list for the week.

All the best,

Written by VaNessa Duplessie

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7 Comments

  1. Ken Pickard

    VaNessa,

    Thanks for the shout out and link back to that video we did at Unstoppable. I know we had a lot of fun putting that together and the benefits of quick live interviews and well worth the fear most of even asking for an interview. But the reality is I’ve NEVER been turned down. It gives quick exposure for that person and provides quality content for me and my readers.

    You mentioned other take a ways from live events. Building relationships and finding other people in your industry to connect with for possible business ventures is among the top of the list. Even though we are moving to an online presence, there is no reason why we should hide behind the monitor.

    Ken Pickard
    The Network Dad

    • VaNessa Duplessie

      Ken I totally agree….we need to get out from behind our monitors and meet people face to face or at least talk on the phone or something. Its all about relationships.

  2. Tony Tate

    For me, “Handshake” in business means agreement, or both parties agreed on certain things. It’s also a sign of unity to every business owners and also a form of formality. Handshake and hug has been widely used since during the ancient greek. And until, it has been used whether in business, careers or personal life. It’s always and will always be a part of our lives.

    • VaNessa Duplessie

      Hey Tony…thanks for the comment. I am going to use that “sign of unity” – those are some beautiful words man. Keep rockin’!

  3. Eldon Beard

    Hi VaNessa, you’re right on about the importance of face to face relationships. You can meet people online and develop great friendships and partnerships, but it really becomes a lifetime thing when you actually meet in person. It solidifies what you’ve worked hard to build through online networking.

  4. Cat Alexandra

    Not to sound too “new agey” or anything, but I honestly think something sort of magical happens on an energetic level when we go to live events, VaNessa. I definitely think there’s something to be said for showing up even when you know you can catch a digital recap instead. It’s always helped breathe new life into my efforts when I’ve gone to them, so I’m a believer! 😉

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