A new study sponsored by Cornell Center for Hospitality Research gives 3 solid reasons for face-to-face meetings, instead of just virtual meetings.
Co-author Mary Beth McEuen writes,
“. . .we identified three key reasons for face-to-face meetings: to capture attention, especially for new concepts; to inspire a positive emotional climate; and a related point, to build human networks and relationships.”
“Face-to-face meetings possess the unique ability to spur action and drive business results through creating powerful, emotional ties to your business mission and message. The fact remains that there’s no substitute for meeting in person when you want to build emotional support and develop relationships.”
I’m traveling a lot for the next six weeks, going to conferences and retreats.
- MI-SCBWI Fall Conference, on October 08, 2010, @ Yarrow Golf Resort near Kalamazoo, MI
- “Writing and Illustrating for Kids”: Southern Breeze SCBWI, Plotting Workshop and Keynote Speaker. on October 15 2010, @ Birmingham, AL
- Novel Revision Retreat: Upstate NY SCBWI, on November 05 2010, @ Syracuse, NY
- Novel Revision Retreat: Brazos Valley SCBWI, on November 13 2010, @ College Station, TX
I’m booking for 2011 and 2012. Interested in more information? Email me at darcy at darcypattison dot com.
A couple points here:
New concepts: Notice that the report talks about capturing attention for new concepts. At writing conferences, it’s easier to hold an editor’s attention for a few minutes while you pitch something. Practice the elevator pitch! Be able to discuss your story, your idea, your concepts in a few succinct words.
Positive Emotional Climate: Hey, please be polite and gracious and kind to guest speakers. You want them to come away with a great feeling about you and your organization. Put yourself in their shoes: they are in a room full of strangers. You don’t always have to pitch your story to make yourself memorable. Just a small kindness can do that for you.
Build Human Relations and Networks: Casual conversation can reveal unexpected points of connection between people and build tighter ties and relationships. Go to a conference with the idea that you’ll learn something, of course. And, of course, you’ll make connections with influential people. But don’t leave out your peers: they are just as important to network with. In fact, let’s don’t call it networking at that point. It’s important to make friends with whom you can share your joys and trials.
The results of the Face-to-Face study seems predictable: but it’s a good reminder to us of why we go to conferences, to meet people. I hope to meet YOU soon.
Coming in November: 30 Days to a Stronger Scene.
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