The Value of Meeting In Person

A couple of weeks ago, Kristi and Trey sat down with me on our Between Two Tablets podcast to discuss The Value of In-Person Relationships. I asked them about the benefits of meeting customers in person versus over the phone. They had some valuable information to share about how each method has helped them connect with our customers here at Techcycle Solutions and I wanted to share it with you!

To Meet or Not To Meet? That Is the Question!

When it comes to sales and/or building your brand awareness, which is better–talking over the phone or meeting in person? I wish I could tell you that there’s some magic formula that would make your company skyrocket in sales. Or maybe even become the most stand-out brand in the area. Well, from my findings, there doesn’t seem to be a one-size-fits-all solution to these sorts of things. However, I do have some insight from our team here at Techcycle Solutions that might help you determine if phone calls or meeting customers in person is more beneficial.

Phone Calls

There are so many variables when it comes to cold-calls to potential customers. Maybe they’re sitting in front of one of their own customers who is waiting to be helped. Maybe they’re in the middle of teaching a class, or they really just don’t need your services right now. The list could go on and on. Sometimes, there’s that one phone call that hits the nail on the head and it’s all smooth-sailing from that point forward. But let’s be real here… how many calls are you making before the lucky one strikes?

Maybe you’re a nationwide company like us and you’re limited on your ability to meet all of your customers in person. Sometimes, a phone call is the only way to get ahold of someone. Well, if there’s any advice I can give you regarding either meeting over the phone or in person, if the opportunity arises, meet in person!

Meeting In Person

“There’s a specific warmth in verbal communication that is there when it’s face to face.”

– Kristi Kohl, Techcycle Solutions Business Development Specialist

Getting to meet in person adds so much more value to connecting with people. First off, you likely had to set up the in-person meeting over the phone so they’re already expecting your visit. Secondly, you’re able to read each other a lot better because of the non-verbals we communicate in conversation. And lastly, but definitely not least, you can leave them with tangible items that will help them remember who you are and what you were there for. Our team has given out many different items from cookies to a Techcycle Solutions branded USB memory stick with some literature. Or if you’re like Trey, you bring your customer barbecue sauce–you’ve gotta know your audience here! The options are endless regarding what you can leave behind so you’re remembered and the person is left feeling appreciated and confident in your services.

Techcycle Solutions highly values building relationships in our local community. With things opening back up from COVID, we have taken advantage of our membership with the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and attended a few events. The golden opportunities we found at these events couldn’t have been (easily) found over a simple phone call! For instance, we found out about a leads group that specifically pairs similar companies together so they can help each other find leads for sales. How awesome is that?

Where Should You Meet?

This is going to depend on what you need to accomplish. Maybe you just need to have a conversation to get more information about your potential customer. A lunch would be perfect for this. You may need to show your customer all the cool things your company can do and you need to show them graphics on your computer. A coffee shop would probably be better for this. It could even be as simple as a quick office visit to drop off some cookies or coffee!

It’s really up to you and your potential customer to determine the best place and setting to meet in person based on the intent behind it all.

Finding The Opportunity

But what if you’re struggling to even meet anyone who would be interested in getting together for coffee? Like I mentioned earlier, you may be able to score a meeting over a quick call. However, most times, we stumble across these opportunities when we’re already in person having leisurely conversation and suddenly we find ourselves making plans to meet again over coffee.

A great way to find these sorts of opportunities to initially meet is at your local Chamber of Commerce events. People go to these events already expecting to talk and share about business. Be a regular at these events! Make your face and your name known at these places–the business part always ends up coming up at some point so focus on building relationships with people first. That’s what makes you memorable and ‘real’ to people.

It’s a Win-Win

From these larger Chamber events come the smaller more in-tune events. For instance, the leads group we found out about or other more specific groups you would never know about otherwise. You also have a high chance at making some good friends during these events, too, because you may find you have similar interests. It’s a win-win for everybody and you can’t go wrong with that!

What kinds of events or groups are you part of that gets you out and about meeting people in person? I want to hear them! Share in the comments!

Until next time,

Monica, Account Manager

Check out our latest blogs – E-Waste: What You Need to Know, The Best Places to Road Trip in 2021, and USBC and USB4 Cables!