REOPENING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
By: Evan Lucyk
Collectively, the world (businesses included) has done an incredible job of weathering the storm that has been COVID-19. We have pivoted to adjust to any new restrictions, mandates, and alternative modes of operation necessary to stay safe and afloat. Part of this adaptation was that much of our interactions went online as remote working sprinted to the forefront of the scene. Networking was no different, and what was once in person and faceto-face became relegated to Zoom calls and other online interactions.
Now, as things start to return to normal (or a “new normal” at least), we are beginning to ask ourselves: What will the future of networking look like?
As we move forward, we will have to consider: Is it worth sticking with the new ways of networking, or are we going to scrap that and go back to in-person events like trade shows, conventions, and local events?
There are definite pros and cons to each approach, and it remains to be seen how the world will collectively choose to conduct business and network in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Our President and CEO, Scott Bahr, offered his take on what he sees for the future of networking: “It’s definitely going to be a hybrid version, I think, for the most part.”
Scott’s reasonings for this are based on his own experience with Bit Service and highlighted both the good and the bad to remote networking compared to the traditional in-person route. “I think we’ve done a few [of] what were traditionally in-person networking or trade show/convention-type things this past several months, and there are the definite advantages to being able to do it from your own office and not have to travel and go through that whole portion of it because work travel is not a vacation.”
He added, “However, it’s just so difficult to get that quality networking thing included with it, so that whole segment is still struggling.” In short, this may be a situation where you may not be able to have it all, and no single solution at the moment is perfect. You have to figure out what works best for you and your team.
As for us at Bit Service, we have a few exciting plans of our own. Bring on the in-person expos, meet and greets, and more. One particular networking event already on our calendar is MinExpo in Las Vegas this September. Even more exciting is that we’ll be displaying a booth at a trade show there, assuming travel restrictions are lifted (so please stop by—in person—if you are in the area).
It will just be Scott and one other fully vaccinated Bit Service team member participating, as we are committed to doing our part to make sure the company isn’t compromised in case a quarantine situation should occur—a factor to consider as we return (carefully) to in-person networking. However, we feel confident it is a step in the right direction and are hopeful for what lies ahead on the horizon.
To learn more about Bit Service and explore how we can help you with your specific needs as you move forward into a new normal of networking and beyond, contact us today.