August 5, 2024
With so much of business happening online these days, platforms like LinkedIn have become the go-to way to make industry connections.
But while digital networking has opened plenty of new opportunities, there’s still something irreplaceable about old-fashioned, face-to-face interactions, especially for entrepreneurs trying to raise their profile.
In this blog, we’re diving into why traditional networking still deserves a place in your strategy, and how it could be the thing that helps move your business forward. Plus, we’ll tell you how forming a company can help you make more connections.
Old-fashioned networking is essentially real-time, human-to-human contact with customers and people who can help grow your business. This includes things like meeting someone for a coffee, exchanging contact information at a local event, striking up a conversation at a trade show, or even picking up the phone instead of sending another email.
These personal interactions often leave a stronger impression than a LinkedIn message or a digital follow-up.
When you're trying to land a new client or pitch to an investor, it is a huge benefit if the other person has met you and can put a face to your name. It automatically makes them feel more connected to you.
In-person networking allows for something digital communication can’t quite replicate: trust-building through body language, eye contact, and tone of voice. These subtle cues make a big difference when you’re trying to build rapport.
Even a phone call can often feel more personal than back-and-forth emails. People are more likely to open up and remember you when there’s a real conversation involved.
Most people are tired of cold sales emails and out-of-the-blue LinkedIn messages. Most people don’t remember the tenth person who added them this week. But they do remember who they had an interesting conversation with at an industry event.
By showing up in person, you make yourself stand out. In a world so full of endless notifications, real world interactions can feel refreshing.
Some of the most valuable opportunities in business don’t happen through cold outreach or digital marketing. They happen through conversations.
This can look like meeting someone at a networking breakfast who ends up becoming a key client, or chatting to a fellow business owner at a local event who introduces you to a supplier.
Many entrepreneurs can trace a turning point in their journey back to a conversation that happened offline. And the more you put yourself in these environments, the more likely those moments are to happen.
The same goes for referrals. People are more likely to recommend someone they’ve met in person. When you show up regularly to meet new people, you naturally become part of people’s mental shortlist for opportunities.
Networking can also help you find the right people to hire. Whether you’re growing your team for the first time or looking to replace a key role, meeting people face to face can reveal talent you might never have found through a job board.
In fact, some estimates and surveys have suggested the so-called hidden job market may account for anywhere between 50-70% of all positions. That means many roles are filled through word of mouth or someone knowing someone, and that applies just as much to finding team members for your own business.
By being part of your local or industry community, you increase the chances of meeting skilled people who you might not have come across otherwise. You also get the chance to assess their personality and communication style in real time, rather than relying solely on CVs or online portfolios.
If you’re new to business, or just stepping out of your comfort zone to grow your company, traditional networking can feel intimidating. But it’s one of the best ways to improve your communication and gain confidence in how you talk about your work.
The more you practise introducing yourself, explaining your offer, and answering questions on the spot, the more comfortable and polished you’ll become.
Face-to-face networking also helps you fine-tune your pitch based on people’s reactions. You can see instantly what grabs attention, what gets a nod of recognition, and what doesn’t quite land. That’s something that’s much harder to pick up from behind a screen.
Over time, this experience will help you in sales calls and investor pitches too.
One of the best things about traditional networking is that it’s often more accessible than you might think. You don’t need to travel far or spend money on expensive conferences to meet other business owners and potential customers.
In fact, you can start close to home. Local councils, growth hubs, and the British Chambers of Commerce often run free or low-cost events designed specifically for small business owners. Websites like Eventbrite are also great for finding events by location or industry. You might also find opportunities at co-working spaces.
The key is to be intentional. Think about the kinds of people you’d like to meet (other founders, potential clients, local partners, or even talent for your team) and seek out events where they’re likely to be.
We’re not suggesting you give up digital networking entirely. In fact, the most effective approach often combines the best of both worlds.
For example, after meeting someone at a local event, you could follow up with a message on LinkedIn. Or, if you connect with someone online who seems like a good fit for your business, you could suggest a quick phone call or even a coffee if you’re nearby.
This blended approach helps keep relationships both warm and convenient for both parties. You can stay visible online while building trust in person, and use each method to support and strengthen the other.
Here’s a simple approach that many business owners find effective:
This kind of consistent, personal networking helps build long-term relationships which can translate into loyal customers and supporters of your business.
If you’re looking to grow your business, meet new clients, or take the leap into entrepreneurship, it’s worth stepping into the real world and seeing who you might meet.
Did you know that forming a company boosts your credibility and helps people take you more seriously at networking events. It also gives you access to professional groups, local business networks, and industry communities that often favour registered businesses. Plus, once your company is listed on Companies House, it’s easier for others to find you and connect.
Quality Company Formations makes it quick and easy to register your company online with expert support every step of the way. You can form your new limited company in under 24 hours, with no hidden fees or confusing paperwork.
We’ve helped over 1 million UK entrepreneurs set up their businesses, and now it’s your turn. Get started today and join a growing community of founders building something brilliant.
