Know What the Fourth of July and In-person Networking Have in Common?

Online, June 24, 2010 (Newswire.com) - "As we get ready to celebrate the birth of the United States of America, I want to remind you there is a strong connection between the holiday and in-person networking," said Lillian Bjorseth, president, Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.

Gen. Israel Putnam, who commanded the Revolutionary Army at the Battle of Bunker Hill and helped pave the way for the Declaration of Independence, said the oft-repeated words, "Men, you are all marksmen - don't one of you fire until you see the white of their eyes." Bjorseth reminds readers that the best way by far to start building relationships is also to see the white of someone's eyes.

"Lest I be misunderstood in this age of online networking, I want to emphasize that both methods are important and compatible. In-person, however, can be effective in and of itself. Meeting someone online frequently does not stand by itself. A good example of this is the LinkedIn groups that are formed online and then start holding face-to-face events.

"In-person networking is the safest, most effective, easiest and preferred way to begin accumulating the kind of wealth you need throughout your life: social capital, i.e., a large network of knob turners to open doors to make a sale, get a job and increase your career success," Bjorseth added.

Among the reasons Bjorseth cited were:
· Live interaction. About 90 percent of in-person communication is conveyed through nonverbal actions. Someone's walk, posture, handshake, eye contact, facial expressions and appearance as well as tone, rate, pitch, speed and inflection speak volumes. This form of communication is missing online. Underlines, bold type and exclamation marks can't replace a smile, a furrowed brow or a firm handshake. Words account for only 10 percent. Online, they have to work super hard to compensate for what else is missing.
· Telephone calls. The second best thing to get to know people is to spend quality time with them on the telephone because interactive conversations enable you to hear voice modularities and gage experience and intellect.
· The knowledge and trust factors. People do business with people they know and trust or people referred by people they know and trust. Most people would rather do business with someone an associate refers after meeting them in person rather than connecting online.
· Honesty and integrity. It's easier to see that people are who they say they are and how they portray themselves when the white of their eyes is visible.
· Memorability. People remember those they meet in person much more easily than those they meet online. An online photo or video is helpful; however, it's not like looking someone in the eye or shaking his/her hand.
· Increased online contacts. Increased personal contacts also help people increase their online contacts with people they know and trust. They become more valuable to others as the size and quality of their network grows.

"Once you have invested the time and effort in face-to-face meetings, you can rely on online networking to stay in touch and strengthen your relationships. That's where the two methods fit hand-in-glove," Bjorseth said.