In 2020, the world went virtual. Five years later, we’re still seeing the ripple effects. Zoom meetings are the norm, work-from-home is commonplace, and entire projects can move forward without people ever being in the same room.
And networking is no different. Most people now rely on social platforms and virtual meetups to stay connected. And while going virtual has made professional and personal life easier in many ways, it comes at a cost: the loss of human connection.
When was the last time you met up with someone the old-fashioned way? Grabbed coffee, shook hands, or sat across from a colleague without a screen in between? As more businesses push back toward in-person workplaces, the pendulum is starting to swing again—and with it, the chance to bring back the nuance, trust, and chemistry that only face-to-face interaction delivers.
Why In-Person Networking Still Matters
No matter how advanced technology gets, you simply can’t replicate what happens when people are in the same room—and here’s why:
- Nonverbal Cues Form a More Complete Picture: Body language, eye contact, posture, and even the way someone reacts to a joke all add context you miss on a screen. Those cues help people read intent, build trust, and connect more quickly. In fact, research shows that face-to-face communication is more strongly tied to positive emotions and better overall connection than digital communication.*
- You’re Easier to Remember: A coffee meeting lingers long after a 20-minute Zoom call. People remember where they were, how the conversation felt, and what stood out. Those impressions stick, which makes it easier for your name to come up later when opportunities surface.
- Conversations Flow Differently: Online discussions tend to stay rigid. You log on, talk about the topic at hand, then log off. Small talk can feel forced, and once the call ends, so does the connection. In person, conversations breathe. They expand beyond the agenda, branch into side topics, and allow for unplanned moments—shared laughs, quick observations, or deeper exchanges—that often end up being the most memorable parts of the interaction.
- Trust grows faster: There’s a reason tough conversations still happen in person. The same principle applies to networking. It’s easier to signal sincerity, read intent, and build confidence when people can see how you show up.
Making It Work in Practice
Virtual networking has its place, but it shouldn’t be the default. If you want to strengthen relationships, start blending both approaches.
A few simple moves can bring in-person networking back into your routine:
- Schedule coffee or lunch with someone in your circle on a monthly or even quarterly basis.
- Commit to at least one live industry event each year—a roundtable, conference, or local meetup.
- Ask for in-person touchpoints with recruiters or mentors to talk through career goals, market trends, or upcoming opportunities.
At J2, we believe in the power of the handshake—and building meaningful connections that stick. For more ideas about how you can grow your in-person networking presence, reach out to our team and let’s talk!
* https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10191089/