Striking a balance between digital and physical networking

By Ivan Montik

Networking has always acted as a catalyst for growing and developing businesses, but networking methods and quality have evolved over the past decades. The changing of the times has practically interlinked everything, including professional relations and connections. 

In today’s interconnected world, technology has transformed networking. Statista’s 2024 report shows that over 5 billion people are on social media—expected to exceed 6 billion by 2028. With more than 930 million users worldwide, LinkedIn has become essential for building professional connections, sharing insights, and finding talent. Platforms like Discord, originally for gaming, are now popular in tech circles for real-time collaboration, highlighting a shift towards versatile digital spaces that connect professionals across borders and industries. 

Image Source:  Statista 2024 

Despite the adoption of new technologies in networking and communication, traditional networking methods remain invaluable for leaders like Ivan Montik, founder of the global tech company SOFTSWISS, which boasts over 2,000 employees worldwide and has received over 30 prestigious industry awards. Ivan Montik firmly believes in the power of face-to-face meetings. “I believe in-person meetings will never disappear,” says Ivan. For him and many others, the balance between digital and physical interaction is the key to successful networking in today’s digital age. 

Although face-to-face interaction is still essential, technology significantly simplifies the preparation for these meetings by collecting crucial information that enhances these opportunities. AI-powered tools have significantly changed how we link up with others through networks by handling many tasks required to build and maintain relationships. As per the latest survey results, 56 per cent of the sample argued that AI has raised the level of their networking activities by 44 per cent. AI tools can assist not only in making connections but also in connecting and initiating follow-up, gauging interest, and estimating the possibility of a good partnership.

Harnessing the potential of digital and physical networking methods, we stand on the cusp of a new era in business relations. To thrive, we must incorporate the sophistication of technology without losing the irreplaceable value of human connection. 

Creating Valuable Connections: A Guide for the Modern Professional

In our fast-paced world, the art of making new connections is more important than ever. No matter your industry, the ability to network effectively can make or break your professional pursuits. 

Many make the widespread error of looking at networking purely from a self-benefit perspective. It’s essential to realise that in this digital age, where everything seems to move at the speed of light, building meaningful relationships is invaluable. Instead of “What’s in it for me?” the question should be “How can we help each other?” It’s all about active listening and showing genuine interest in others rather than solely focusing on personal gains. 

Furthermore, efforts to impress can often be misread as desperation or inauthentic. When communicating with peers and potential business partners, it’s critical to be yourself. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is a cornerstone of any successful relationship. Trying too hard to impress can inadvertently sabotage your efforts. 

Additionally, remembering to follow up after a conversation can benefit the potential relationship. You may have had an engaging discussion, but the connection could quickly disappear if a follow-up message is not sent promptly. A quick message or email can go a long way in maintaining the relationship you’ve just started to build. 

Lastly, patience is vital. Networking isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Building up a useful network takes time and consistent effort. Instant results are rare. It’s crucial to persevere, keep putting yourself out there, and continuously nurture the relationships you form. So, no matter if you’re connecting digitally or physically, remember that effective networking revolves around meaningful dialogue, authenticity, follow-ups, and patience. 

Networking is something you do to meet new people and open new business doors. The key isn’t trying to sell something or solve a problem on the spot. As Ivan Montik says, “It’s about connecting, listening to others, sharing your own experiences, and being open. When you are open and not focused on immediate results, that’s when the real magic happens.” 

One of Ivan’s notable cases relates to a conference in 2015. While presenting on crypto gaming and blockchain technology, he noticed a competitor and his friend in the audience. After his talk, the friend approached Ivan to get his insights on the industry. They connected casually, but there was nothing significant at that point. 

However, this individual requested a business meeting at the office about a month later. Despite his relations with the competitor, Ivan welcomed him. Fast forward a few years, and his company has become one of the biggest clients of SOFTSWISS. 

This case underscores that networking isn’t about instant gratification; instead, it’s about fostering connections and remaining open to possibilities. Even seemingly insignificant interactions can open the door to unexpected opportunities, illustrating the profound ripple effect of networking. 

The Future of Networking: A Blend of New and Old

As we stand at the precipice of a new era, innovative technologies are redefining the future of networking. To quote Ivan Montik, “I believe these technologies will impact networking just as they impact every other part of our lives”. Imagine Virtual Reality (VR), enabling you to network with colleagues in an immersive environment, bypassing geographic barriers. Or Artificial Intelligence (AI), streamlining routine tasks and aiding connections to boost networking efficiency.  These technologies aren’t just mere conjectures or far-off fantasies; they are becoming integral to our daily operations. 

The trend towards VR-powered interactions marks a significant shift in how businesses and individuals communicate and collaborate. Just as the advent of video calls enabled us to build worldwide connections, VR has the potential to take networking to a new level by creating a more engaging experience that surpasses the limitations of traditional video conferencing. Through VR, there will be a time when networking transcends the constraints of physical presence, allowing interactive and immersive avatar-based meetups. 

However, while the future paints a picture of exciting innovation, the importance of human interaction cannot be downplayed. Tech leaders advocate for balancing old and new networking methods even in an increasingly digital world. While technologies like AI and VR revolutionise networking, in-person encounters will endure. They inject a personal touch that machines can not replicate. 

*Ivan Montik is the founder of SOFTSWISS