Let’s Get Together
4.7 billion people will use social networks this year, and that number is expected to continue to grow each year. With the ever-increasing use of smartphones and the opportunities for online networking, it’s easy to think we’re shifting away from in-person meetings.
But Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and inventor of the iPhone, knew a long time ago that face-to-face meetings would never go out of style. He once said, “There’s a temptation in our networked age to think that ideas can be developed by email and Slack chats. That’s crazy. Creativity comes from spontaneous meetings, from random discussions.”
Jobs was onto something. According to a recent study, even after the Covid pandemic shut us all down and shut us all away for far too long, 84% of people still say they prefer in-person meetings. This confirms what Steve Jobs already knew: that people prefer to be in a room together to really get the ideas flowing.
And it’s no surprise why. Here are three reasons face-to-face meetings matter.
1. When we get together, we more clearly communicate goals and objectives.
Face-to-face meetings allow for clearer communication. In addition to being able to read facial expressions, body language, and inflection, in-person meetings often end up being more positive and considered more credible than online or virtual conversations.
Without non-verbal cues, you also run the risk of misinterpreting information. In fact, 60% of people regularly misread tone or message when communicating via email or phone. What does that mean? Talking trumps typing.
2. Bonding and building relationships.
No matter how much we may like social networking, in-person interactions are at the very core of relationship building, both personally and professionally. In fact, 85% of people believe face-to-face meetings contribute to stronger, more meaningful business relationships. So, if you want to form true, concrete connections, try to meet in-person rather than online whenever possible.
3. Face-to-face meetings are more focused and more productive.
Not only do in-person meetings tend to be more positive, but they also tend to be more productive. On average, an in-person meeting generates about 13.36 ideas versus a virtual meeting, which generates 10.43. And although virtual meetings are sometimes more convenient, nearly 70% of people admit to browsing social media to pass the time during audio-only conference calls.
The Good News is that we have immediate opportunities to test my theories – the 2022 PNWPGA Merchandise Show and Fall Meeting. I again invite you to attend this year’s events, both hosted at the Tacoma Convention Center, September 25-26, 2022. I also invite you to participate in this year’s Fall Education sessions, held September 24 and September 26. My special thanks to TaylorMade Golf for sponsoring this year’s very special guest presenter, Mr. Chris Trott, Monday, September 26, 2022, 2:00 – 6:00. More information on each of these events:
I would like to remind the PNWPGA membership that this year’s Fall Meeting is also the setting for our elections for Section Secretary. This year’s candidates, John Grothe and Chas Holmes, will be present for this very important event. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the candidates, hear them explain their vision for the Section, and ask them directly about the topics and priorities that concern you and your colleagues. And, if you still need an additional reason to visit the show, vote in the section election, and to benefit from the expertise of our education session presenters, consider playing golf on some of Ireland’s finest golf course with a friend over the course of six days, compliments of our sponsor! Earn up to four entries into this year’s PNWPGA Merchandise Show Ireland Sweepstakes, presented by Garmany Golf, just by attending each of the eligible events between September 24-26, 2022.
Click here for more information
Tournaments are the single largest member services program we run as a section and their success is a result of your participation and the support of our growing roster of section sponsors. Please join me in welcoming our newest section partner, Cole Haan. Cole Haan is our 2022 Supporting Sponsor for both the PNWPGA Merchandise Show and the PNWPGA Arizona Pro-Am. The iconic brand COLE HAAN was founded in 1928, offering an array of products ranging from golf and dress to lifestyle and casual footwear in both men’s and women’s styles. Utilizing the highest quality materials and innovative technologies, COLE HAAN sets themselves apart with their focus on fit, ride and traction, with a keen eye towards style and design. Their reputation boasts a rich history in the footwear industry and for the past 2 years have been bringing that to life with their new golf line. For any questions, please reach out to Jeff Morse (jeff.morse@colehaan.com).
As always, if I or any member of our phenomenal Section Staff can ever be of service to you, never hesitate to reach out to us, anytime. I look forward to seeing you all in Tacoma!