All clients are the same: They want to Skype, email and text, sometimes phone. But here are few reasons why you need face-to-face meeting with clients.

When avalanche of emails and messages gets overwhelming, it’s so tempting to start typing replies and returning phone calls. But that is mistake. No matter what kind of industry or business you are involved, you will be successful if you really get to know customers and colleagues. No matter how you clients are busy and “want” only email or Skype communication. Nothing beats the power of a truly personal, face-to-face connection and this is what you need to achieve for long unbreakable business success.

So here are 5 reasons why in-person meetings are better from virtual one:

1. You’re off the record. Many of the clients/managers work in cubes and can’t have private telephone conversations with you or anyone else. This means that when you talk to them on the phone (from conference rooms or from mobile phone), might not get to hear/catch the most important information. Over lunch or coffee or short meeting, clients can let you know, more colorful, than they cannot do over the telephone or in an email.

2. Make use of not-so-small talk. Business is better if you focus to solving a problem quickly and efficiently, while business relationships are built when people take the time to share. That happens more naturally in person than over the phone or in an email.

3. Make an impression. How do you do that over Skype? The only way to achieve this is face to face. Attitude, cloths, character, face grimaces, this all can be part of face-to-face communication.

4. Read the body language. You can see confidence, empathy, fear, friendliness or sincerity. That ability to “read” a person beyond keywords is a huge advantage for you.

5. Learn where the action is. When you meet the client, the environment speaks and may factor into your business proposal or plan. By understanding his company dynamics, you can effectively meet their needs.

Good Luck.

Tags | Business, Clients, Communication, face-to-face, Howto, Meeting