The Lost Art of Meetings and Why They Are More Important than Ever

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With all the smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices in our pockets and on our desks, it’s difficult to imagine the world without instant communication. Yet, it really wasn’t so long ago that this was a reality; a time when face to face meetings reigned supreme and success in business was all about networking.

It could be argued that we’ve lost some of that ability to schmooze and charm because the majority of modern meetings are conducted over the telephone. Or, they’re plugged in and hooked up to video conferencing tools like Skype and FaceTime. The question is, was it something worth holding on to?

Keep reading to learn about the art of the face to face meeting and why it’s still important in our face paced digital world.

Stimulate with New Environments

Studies show that the human brain works faster and harder when it is exposed to a new environment. This is, essentially, like warming up your muscles before a workout. Providing novel stimuli is a great way to activate the mind so that it’s ready to learn.

You can’t do this over the phone or via a video conference. You need to get employees, clients, and investors out of their seats and into your world; into a motivating, inspiring environment of your choosing. Visit www.servcorp.com.au/en/meeting-rooms for some great location ideas.

Pass On Valuable Emotions

Similarly, behavioural scientists are keen to point out that strong emotions are contagious. So, if you are a talented speaker or you have great orators in your team, take advantage of these skills. The truth is that people in groups naturally share and mimic emotions.

It’s hard to be lethargic and uninspired if you’re surrounded by people with a great work ethic and lots of energy. Face to face meetings are a powerful way to accelerate this process and make sure that employees and investors are getting caught up in your plans and ideas.

No More Distractions

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a secretary, senior executive, or data processor; we’re all inclined to bend the rules when nobody can see us. This is especially true in the age of conference calls and video streaming. People are much more likely to multitask.

So, if you want to make sure that your agenda is the top priority, a face to face meeting is the best option. It adds weight, significance, and gravitas to the occasion. After all, anybody would pay more attention to a meeting that they have to spend time preparing for and travelling to.

Make Lasting Connections

For entrepreneurs and startup teams, foregoing face-to-face meetings altogether can be a big risk. While you could argue that bigger, more established companies don’t miss out on much, companies which are new to the market need to make memorable first impressions.

This is very hard to do over a Skype or FaceTime call. Even if you chat with an investor and they really love your ideas, you’ll be competing with the dozens of other entrepreneurs who made the time to interact in person. Be memorable, be present, and be unforgettable.

How to Find the Best Meeting Spaces in Australia

Twenty years ago, you might have found it hard to rent a meeting space or boardroom with flexible terms. In many cases, these facilities were either included as part of office packages or rented out for months at a time. Now, things have changed a little, and there are plenty of ways to access ‘pay as you go’ resources.

One of the best is working with a virtual or coworking provider. These vendors rent out shared office space on a ‘pay as you use’ basis, so you’re not obliged to rent an entire suite to make use of the meeting facilities. Nor do you have to book out the rooms months in advance. For a small fee, you can access a range of shared environments and hire boardrooms whenever you need them.