QuoteSearcher Team - May 3, 2022

Face-to-Face: The Benefits of Networking Post-Covid

The pandemic has forced many businesses to re-evaluate the way they operate. For some, this has meant a shift to remote work, while others have had to adapt their products and services to meet changing customer needs.

In the insurance industry, one of the most significant changes has been the way that networking and conferences are conducted. Prior to Covid-19, these events were typically held in person, with large groups of people gathering in one place.

However, now that the pandemic appears to be waning, face-to-face networking events are back in the diary – including BIBA, which takes place on the 11th and 12th May in Manchester – and we’ll be there. So let’s look at why it’s so exciting to get back in a room together.

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Building Trust on a Rocky Landscape

One of the biggest benefits of face to face networking is that it allows for more personal interactions. When you meet someone in person, you can shake their hand, look them in the eye, and have a real conversation. This is much harder to do when you’re communicating online.

In addition, face to face networking gives you the opportunity to build relationships with people in your industry. These relationships can be beneficial both professionally and personally.

You can offer more clarity around these relationships and key elements of your business which might be that much harder to do over the phone or on Zoom. Similarly, you’ll be able to meet multiple people from a single business in person which again has its benefits.

Finally, meeting in person allows you to network in a more relaxed setting. Online events can be quite formal and it can be difficult to get to know people when you’re not sitting next to them.

While there are some clear advantages to online networking, there are also some disadvantages. One of the biggest challenges is that it can be difficult to establish trust with someone when you've only ever communicated with them online. However, there’s an opposite side to that as well - if you start relationships face-to-face, it will generally be an easier relationship to manage going forward as well.

This is especially true in the insurance industry, where trust is so important. In addition, online networking can be quite impersonal and it can be difficult to build relationships with people when you’re not meeting in person.

So, while there are some advantages and disadvantages to both face to face and online networking, the bottom line is that each has its own set of benefits and challenges. Ultimately, the decision of which to use will come down to your specific needs and objectives.

 

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Getting Ready for BIBA

With BIBA fast approaching, it will be interesting to see how this event is conducted.

It will give attendees the opportunity to network in person, while also allowing them to take advantage of the convenience and flexibility of online events. Regardless of how BIBA chooses to conduct its events, one thing is for sure – the insurance industry will continue to evolve and adapt in the months and years ahead.

The theme of this year’s conference is insurance community”, which underpins the whole concept of meeting up in a room together. It’s a great time to remind each other of how the insurance community works and the positive results you can achieve when you actually meet in person.

These types of conferences are a vital part of working in the insurance industry, particularly after COVID, as it gives us all a chance to come together, learn from each other, and build relationships. What's your thoughts on meeting face to face for networking and conferences post-COVID?