Meeting Outside The Digital Age - Glenford Laughton

In this day and digital age we meet and communicate via various methods such as: Skype, WhatsApp, emails and texting. Technology has made it very convenient to us to connect both personally and on a professional level. Which makes it very easy for a lot of us postpone meeting face-to-face settling for "I’ll email you the next step" or "Let’s Skype".

With all the benefits that technology brings nothing breaks the digital divide as meeting in person. As a Toronto graphic designer I love this city. With it’s many cafes, diners and restaurants to satisfy every ethnic taste bud there’s always a reason to meet to introduce ideas and ourselves.Sure we see what our friends are up to on Facebook, we see your delicious meals via Instagram, your professional accomplishments from LinkedIn, your thoughts from Twitter and your wedding theme from Pinterest. No matter where we are we are virtually connected. But as old school as it is professionals worldwide still gather to look each other in eyes and shake hands.

Top reasons for having face-to-face meetings

Face to face meetings are still practiced and encouraged when developing a new project. First of all, because while I, for example, share my ideas as a Toronto graphic designer, minds are better synchronized based on proximity and bonds develop quickly because of body language.

It takes time to work through concepts, pitch directions and to see if the other person is OK with it or not. And if it’s the latter, you understand better if it’s explained right then and there, while also having the chance of a clarifying Q&A to know you’re both on the same path.

Of course, if you’re a fan of the digital age you will say that you can definitely do this by Skype, but it’s just not the same. Sometimes there’s bad internet speed, other times you can only hear the person and other variables that might put a glitch in the conversation.

Why group gatherings are more productive

Group calls are usually very organized and you can definitely bounce ideas quickly from one to another. But face-to-face interaction between members of a group will definitely create t better engagements, which leads to the more participation and everyone can feed of off the electric group energy generating better brainstorming sessions and ideas.

We often forget about the subtleties of communication and the little sparks that connect us. For instance while listening to everyone talking you might get inspired by the squeak of someone’s chair, others might be illuminated by the sun rays streaming through the window or the smell and steam of a fresh cup of coffee might connect two very important dots. That’s why inspiring companies like Apple, Google, Facebook or Yahoo has amazing spaces for gathering, socializing and just playing.

"Some of the best decisions and insights come from hallway and cafeteria discussions, meeting new people, and impromptu team meetings. Speed and quality are often sacrificed when we work from home. We need to be one Yahoo!, and that starts with physically being together."

~Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer

Yes, face-to-face communication might take a while in a tech savvy fast forward world, but we are not robots. Effective communication is a priority for this local Toronto graphic designer. People still want the attention and focus that meeting in person brings and although we sign a contract digitally or with a pen, a firm handshake seals the deal.

What’s more, we’re reaching a moment in time when we’re going back to the roots of business, to the simple things. After all, you’re doing business with people, not gadgets, right? Face-to-face meetings make people more responsible and the product personal. So let’s meet for coffee.

For any graphic design query, contact: http://www.glenfordlaughton.com