Today’s guest blogger is Carola Chard of CMCC in Hong Kong. CMCC was established in 2009 as a specialist recruitment firm for the apparel, footwear, toys and consumer goods industry. Since 2017 the firm has expanded to include new technologies, financial and legal appointments. Carola is currently serving on the NPAworldwide board of directors. Today she discusses the value of face-to-face meetings through the lens of our recent Global Conference in Atlanta, Georgia (USA).
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, especially in the post-COVID era, face-to-face meetings are often overshadowed by the convenience of virtual interactions.
In a world where virtual meetings are commonplace now, it was refreshing and uplifting to meet and greet members from all over the world in Atlanta.
When it comes to fostering genuine connections and strengthening professional networks, there is an undeniable value in meeting friends from the NPAworldwide Recruitment Network in person rather than relying solely on virtual connections.
Face-to-face meetings provide a unique opportunity to establish trust and rapport, which are essential in professional relationships. As we learned in one of the training sessions, the ability to see someone’s body language, facial expressions, and hear their tone of voice enables us to better gauge authenticity, fostering a deeper sense of trust. Engaging in direct conversations allows for a more personal connection, facilitating the formation of long-lasting bonds.
While virtual meetings have their merits, they often lack the immediacy and fluidity of face-to-face communication. It was heartwarming and refreshing to enjoy in-person conversation, spontaneous interactions, free-flowing discussions, and the exchange of ideas without the limitations of technology. Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and gestures, play a significant role in conveying meaning, which can be missed or misinterpreted in virtual settings. Direct communication, possible when in the same room, enables a better understanding of nuances, resulting in more effective collaboration and problem-solving.
The NPAworldwide Global Conference in Atlanta provided a platform for members to expand their networks, exchange ideas and connect. It was refreshing to allow for the exploration of shared interests, collaboration on potential projects, and the exchange of industry insights. These interactions with our partners create fertile ground for building partnerships, discovering new opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of community within the NPAworldwide network.
The recent Atlanta conference not only had excellent, world class speakers on important industry trends and technologies, sharing sessions of best practices; last but not least, it enabled us to have some fun and take-home lasting memories. Who can claim to having met Batman and some of the key characters of Star Wars in the same week?
If you are an independent recruiter looking to broaden your reach, NPAworldwide will enable you to do so. Most importantly don’t miss the opportunity to sign up and attend the next conference, it will definitely be a rewarding experience and a worthwhile investment of your time!