Is it better to network in person or online?

The question that divides networkers across the globe: Should you go networking online or in person? Really, it depends on your business, your clients and your preferences. I wouldn’t say there is one way to go about it. Some kind of networking is better than none, especially if it’s the kind of networking you can keep up consistently and where you feel comfortable. That’s going to get you the best results. 

So what exactly are the factors at play when deciding whether to network online or in person?

The pros and cons of in-person networking 

There are a lot of benefits to networking in person, especially if you have a business where you need local customers. If you’re a plumber, you don’t want to be driving to the other end of the country for a job. But that’s not all…

Pro: Stronger relationship building

There’s something about chatting to people in person. It feels like you can get to know each other better, get more comfortable with each other quicker and the conversation is more memorable. It’s probably to do with the body language and connection that can get lost online. 

Even if I’ve never met them before, it’s like I’m chatting with a friend and as they’re local that’s even better. We could meet up for a coffee later!

Pro: Free-flowing conversation

It’s easier to mingle at in-person events compared to a group Zoom call. You don’t have to hope you get in a breakout room with the person you want to speak to. You can just walk up to the people you vibe with and have a chat. 

There are no technical issues either. There’s nothing worse than realising you’ve been on mute the whole time!

Pro: Get out of the house!

When you work for yourself from home, you don’t have as many excuses to get out of the house and away from it all. In-person networking gives you a great excuse. Have a well-earned break and recharge your batteries. There’s plenty of energy in the room. 

No one can burst in to ask you what’s for dinner when you’re at an in-person networking event!

Con: More time and effort

All that being said, in-person networking meetings are often longer so we have enough time for the meaningful conversations that take place when we’re in the room together. You also have to factor in travel time and getting yourself sorted to leave the house. 

But I find it’s worth it because of the experience of in-person networking and the depth of conversations and connections. 

Con: Limited to the local area

In-person networking groups can be smaller because most of the time, people will only go if they’re from the local area. You might not get as much variety in the people you meet and the type of businesses you come across due to the restriction of location. 

What you’re missing in breadth is made up for in depth. You build close bonds with local women business owners. 

Con: More intimidating

A lot of people find in-person networking more intimidating than online networking. The idea of walking into a room of strangers can feel overwhelming. At least on Zoom, you can fake technical issues and disappear if it all goes belly up. 

On the other hand, in-person networking can feel more personable and friendly. Once you do it, you realise it’s not as scary as it seems!

The pros and cons of online networking

There’s a lot to gain from online networking too, whether you’ve got a busy schedule or want to connect with a wider group of people. 

Pro: Meet people across the country

Online there are no location limits. So you can make connections and win clients across the country. Across the world even! You’re casting your net wider, which helps with meeting the right kind of people and more of them.

I’ve got to work with people in other countries that I never would have otherwise connected with thanks to online networking!

Pro: More convenient 

The wonderful thing about networking online is that you just have to click a link and you’re there. There’s no planning your route, sitting in traffic or worrying about parking. This makes it easier to squeeze into a busy schedule. An hour networking session literally only takes an hour because you can log off and get on with the rest of your day straight away. 

You can join from anywhere too. Sitting in the car while your kids are at a club? That’s no problem.

Con: Longer to build relationships

Conversations can feel a bit more disconnected online. There’s not quite the same flow and warmth as in person. It needs more of a structure, splitting people into breakout rooms as mingling doesn’t really work on Zoom. So it might take you longer to find and connect with your people.

That being said, building strong relationships through online networking isn’t impossible. It just usually takes a little longer. I’ve had some great conversations online. 

Con: Tech mishaps

Unfortunately, online networking always comes with the risk of technical problems. Yours or someone else’s internet connection breaking up can make it very difficult to follow the conversation. Not to mention issues with video and audio. 

Although this doesn’t tend to happen too much. A lot of us use this tech in the running of our businesses and know a thing or two about making it work!

So, which side do you fall on? Are you thinking that in-person networking will suit you better or are you veering towards online networking?

Don’t worry, you don’t have to make your mind up now or at all. There’s nothing stopping you from doing both. At Small Business Vibes, we encourage it! Then you get the best of both worlds. Whether online or in person, we do it the Small Business Vibes way - fun, friendly and fast-paced.

As well as going to your monthly in-person meetings, come along to the 8 online meetings we run a month. They’re on different days and times so you can find a few that work for you. 

Start with pay-as-you-go or join the subscription to save money on your monthly networking expenses. Book a meeting here.