At a recent chamber mixer in San Antonio I spent a good deal chatting with someone who works for an investment firm. It quickly became clear that we had the same approach to our customers/clients. This gentleman was a tall, slender man who looked like Egon from the Ghostbusters movie (see picture for look-a-like).We talked about his humble beginnings as an investor, as he literally went door to door asking people to invest their money with his firm. Our conversation digresed into how social media and the internet have changed how we get information but has not changed how we communicate. His approach for investement clients is the same as mine in public relations.
Building a relationship with a person/audience and getting them to trust you, believe what you're selling and change their behavior because of it.
What the 10 minute conversation, in a room filled with other networkers eating and drinking, boiled down to was that the relationship started with meeting that client/customer face-to-face and shaking their hand. While using the internet and social media to continue building your relationship with that person is important, nothing will ever replace the face-time that is needed to begin building the trust, the relationship. As human beings we have a need for interaction with others. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, (1951) humans need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. It's because of this basic human need, the firm hand shake and the direct eye contact will always be the best way to forge that business relationship.
We exchanged information and wished each other well in our respective businesses. It always amazes me the caliber of people working in the San Antonio area. I highly recommend, no matter what industry you're in, to get out and network. Its good for the soul.
