The Advantages and Disadvantages of Online vs In-Person Networking

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we look at networking. Although now people have come out of their homes to attend in-person events, still a vast majority priortize the online world. Would online networking replace in-person events, or would the latter bounce back stronger than ever? Questions regarding online vs in-person networking have been popping up in people’s minds, and it’s time to answer them.

There are considerable differences between the two, such as reach, diversity, convenience, and more. This article will discuss online vs in-person networking in detail and help you decide between them.

Online vs In-person Networking

Convenience & Accessibility

Networking is all about having convenient access to your connections. Local networking has a limited convenience, as the timing of events often collides with the work schedule of people. Online networking, on the other hand, is much more accessible as you do not need to go anywhere.

All you need is a working internet to connect with anyone instantly. Moreover, you do not have to connect simultaneously either. For instance, you can leave them a voice note with your detailed question or point of view, and they can check it whenever they’re free.

With local networking, you have a tiny window of opportunity to come up with the right thoughts at the right time. On the other hand, online networking provides you with a lot of time to think and formulate your ideas adequately.

Networking Costs

Usually, online networking costs less than in-person networking because everyone can stay at home. For instance, having an in-person networking event involves paying for a venue, catering, and much more. Moreover, everyone attending the event spends some money to arrive there too.

Online networking only requires functional internet, and you’re ready to connect with whomever you want.

Networking Effectiveness

The effectiveness of networking is closely related to its efficiency. The more efficient your networking mode, the better and more robust connections you will make. Usually, online networking is much more effective and efficient because it requires less time and resources.

 

• It is easy to connect to many people with online networking, as you can send multiple messages at once, and your posts are read by many.
• It can be challenging to build strong online connections as there can be some trust deficit. Moreover, the online space is almost always crowded, so standing out can be difficult.
• One of the advantages of local networking is that face-to-face conversations help you build stronger connections.
• Your body language also plays a crucial role in making local networking a great option.

However, online networking can also build trust if you spend some time with others and share your thoughts consistently.

Reach & Visibility

Online networking usually has a much higher reach and brings you more visibility as online platforms have become increasingly popular. It is especially beneficial for people who cannot attend in-person networking events.

In-person networking has a limited reach and cannot accommodate as many people as online networking. Moreover, in-person events can only focus on specific industries, as including too many can make them unviable.

Feedback

Feedback is essential for businesses and individuals who are looking for networking opportunities. In fact, it’s one of the major purposes behind pursuing networking. After receiving constructive feedback, you understand your weaknesses and strengths and work on them to push yourself forward.

Online networking gives you a golden opportunity to receive feedback from admirers and critics. Since people can be anonymous online, they provide more honest feedback, which can benefit you.

In-person feedback always limits the number of people you can interact with. Moreover, people might not be honest in face-to-face conversations and tone down their criticism a bit, which might not help you do better.

Diversity & Inclusivity

Absorbing a broad range of perspectives and experiences is crucial for effective networking. Therefore, it is vital to be inclusive of having a diversity of opinions. Online networking is more diverse as there are no barriers to entry, and anyone can give you their idea.

On the other hand, networking in person is often more limited and includes fewer opinions and perspectives.

Online vs In-person Networking – An Overview

 

Factors	Online Networking	Local Networking
Convenience & Accessibility	Much more accessible and flexible.	Less accessible due to differences in timing and routines.
Networking Costs	Costs less as you only need internet.	Costs are more because of infrastructure and transportation.
Networking Effectiveness	Requires less time and resources.	Local networking builds stronger connections with face-to-face conversations.
Reach & Visibility	Online platforms have more people, so you get more reach and visibility.	Visibility through local networking is always limited.
Feedback	You’re likely to get more honest feedback on online platforms.	In-person feedback might be toned down.
Diversity & Inclusivity	Online platforms are more diverse as there are no entry barriers.	Local networking can be less diverse and inclusive.

 

Get the Best of Both Worlds With Huxon

Discussing online vs in-person networking reveals the benefits and drawbacks, but if you want to get the best of both worlds, Huxon is your best friend.

It is a social networking platform explicitly built to bring advantages of local networking to enable you to achieve your goals. It is a groundbreaking app that can help you network in an 80 km/50 miles radius and share your vision with others.

Besides that, it gives everyone the opportunity to potentially network with everyone in your local community. Just communicate with them online, and if you see potential, plan and meet in person to finalize your ideas. On top of that, the private chat feature allows you to have a one-on-one conversation with industry experts to get referrals and claim untapped opportunities.

You can even collaborate with other startups in your local domain to target the pain points of a wider audience.

Huxon comes with some impressive features that can scale up your networking game. You can favorite anyone to follow all their professional sharings. With these and other unique features, Huxon is the best networking platform today.

It’s available on both App Store and Play Store, so download it today and enjoy the best online and local professional networking.