Power in Personal Meetings: Introductions Drive Success in a Remote World

Conducting business in 2010 is a very different environment than it was ten years ago. Relationship building is accomplished in new ways, highlighting the differences between Gen X, Y and A-Z. Add to this business generational gap the means of communicating via skype and IM, telecommuting and remote employment, supporting Green initiatives and cost containment, and you have the perfect blend of opportunity or confusion in the new landscape of finding a fit to win business relationship.

While the days of closing a deal on a napkin are gone and transactions are completed via electronic signature without even a handshake, there is still a lot to be said for rolling up your sleeves during a whiteboard session and being in the same room to brainstorm over a technical requirements document. How about remote teambuilding? Virtual emoticons vs. a laugh over an old fashioned ropes course...

Globalization, made even more possible by remote business, introduces additional wonder into what's behind the curtain. Companies that are making signficant investment in regional market opportunities across the world require and deserve a see-for-yourself approach to service, product, value and the personnel with whom they will engage. Knowing your people across the world goes a long way when the next video conference must be scheduled.

While the travel budget may take a hit, facilitating site visits, tours and face to face opportunities across country borders is adopted by companies that need to vet capabilities and experience for their corporate team, and by suppliers who enthusiastically showcase their capabilities and infrastructure as a fit to win.

From April 12-16th, Flash Global Logistics' CEO Jim van Leenen and SVP Global Business Development John Miller will be in Brazil, escorting clients and potential clients through its São Paulo facility with Director Latin America, Walter Santiago. Conveniently, the Reverse Logistics Association conference is taking place from April 14-15th, where the team will also be joining panels and educating attendees about logistics opportunity and potential challenges to entering or doing business within the Brazil and Latin American market. There is no greater opportunity to determine win win business potential than to experience, meet, touch and see for yourself.

Worldwide Business Research draws our attention to the Wall Street Journal article by Joe Mullich, highlighting the New Face of Face-to-Face Meetings - Efficiencies, Technology, and Better Metrics Bring Greater ROI. Creating a forum for decision makers to explore business opportunities and gauge cultural fit with potential partners is an opportunity to deep dive in person past what might be unrecognized in the e-world.

Should you be interested in the RLA Brazil conference in April, Flash Global Logistics' discount code is BX35271070.

Should you plan to be in San Diego in June for 2010 Interlog Summer, Flash Global Logistics' discount code is 10866.004XZ951.

Let's Face It - decision makers have enough on their plate without having to weed through the web weaved in the e-world. If providers can help companies cut to the chase and get to the root of information necessary, make sure no stones are left unturned in the quest for tools, team and technology, and make the most of their time in a personal meeting, isn't it worth the upfront travel investment to save future cost? There is power in personal meetings; a new introduction could be the key to driving your future success.

New Face of Face-to-Face Meetings - Efficiencies, Technology, and Better Metrics Bring Greater ROI

Contributed by: Amy Minarik, Director Marketing & Public Relations, Flash Global Logistics