Technology has played an interesting role in our lives: It’s provided tools to help us get connected and closer to each other, but often we just end up hiding behind them.

Time Magazine recently stated that nearly 40 percent of us socialize online more than we do face-to-face and about a fifth of us prefer texting or Web messaging over talking on the phone or engaging in face-to-face communication. There may be a larger societal issue at work here, but in the meantime, let’s focus on how we can expand our online networks into offline meetings.

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, meeting others face to face has benefits that can’t be found online. Seeing each other in a live setting makes the relationship more personal. People can pick up on others’ body language nuances, and there are subtleties in personal communication that either can’t be communicated or are often misinterpreted on text and chat. Making an effort to meet with social contacts offline helps reinforce your day-to-day online relationships. In the end, this will help you personally and professionally.

If you find yourself spending more nights with your Smartphone rather than meeting up with real, live people, read on for inspiration on broadening your online network into offline communities.

You could also force yourself into a leadership position that forces you to be social, such as co-sponsoring a happy hour on behalf of your company. Do so, and then invite your social network connections to it. You’ll be obligated to work the room, and your role will give you an excuse to check in on everyone.

Volunteer to speak for business groups you’re connected to or be interviewed for media your online connections follow. This not only shows off your expertise in person, but it’ll give you an excuse for a deeper connection.

Keep This In Mind

Just like you nurture relationships with your friends and family in person, connecting offline with online contacts is a great way to become closer. Face-to-face contact is a great way to ensure they think of you the next time they have a great job opportunity or someone talented to refer to you.

Look at your online and offline networks as symbiotic: It’s important to nurture both aspects to create a more engaged online community, and then reinforce those relationships in person. Look for opportunities to integrate the two, such as Tweet-friendly networking events, using CityHour to instantly arrange productive meetings in the free time or happy hours that encourages foursquare check-ins and watch as both networks grow.


About the Author:

CityHour App - An invaluable tool for sales and business development professionals, as well as job seekers, recruiters or simply for general networking. Powerful business networking Tool designed exclusively for arranging face-to-face meetings with other professionals around mutual calendar availability, commonalities or shared objectives.