May 23, 2024

Why In-Person Networking Beats Digital

This article was originally published on Canadian Mortgage Professional.

In today’s difficult lending environment, having a strong knowledge of alternative lending options is vital. However, knowledge is just the beginning – having the right contacts and connections across the alternative lending industry is a great asset to any broker, and so opportunities for networking have become increasingly invaluable.

With this in mind, The Canadian Alternative Mortgage Lenders Association (CAMLA) Ontario Expo 2024 is on. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with 35 of Canada’s top alternative lenders and service providers, and the event is designed to give brokers a thorough understanding of the products offered by CAMLA members.

According to Jared Stanley, senior director of originations at Neighbourhood Holdings, the opportunity to network face-to-face will beat digital connections every time.

“The pandemic introduced a new norm: conducting business in pyjamas, professionalism required only from the waist up,” Stanley wrote in his latest blog post.

“This era brought efficiencies, like the elimination of commutes, but it also diluted some essential elements of traditional communication. Dynamic, effective communication flourishes in an in-person context—the nuanced exchange that's often muffled or lost in digital communication.”

The science backs this up. According to a study from the Journal of Neuroscience, digital platforms like Zoom and Teams disrupt the dynamic of our conversations, and even our neural synchronization. We’ve all been there – the awkward silence as two people try to speak simultaneously, followed by lags and glitches in sound.

“It’s clear: the full spectrum of human interaction doesn't translate well through a screen,” Stanley said.

“Tradeshows and conferences allow you to be seen and present, engaging directly with decision-makers and influencers in settings ripe for forging robust connections. Here, every handshake and every exchange of business cards is a potential gateway to new opportunities.”

Stanley highlighted that when it comes to networking, it’s often the small and simple things that gain you the best connections. A nod, a brief chat or a piece of advice can lay the foundations for a great professional relationship, and this can mean the difference between a standard or an extraordinary outcome for a broker.

Ultimately, gathering for a conference or a trade show like the CAMLA Expo isn’t just about getting people together into a room, or overloading them with pamphlets and information. It’s about nurturing those genuine, pivotal connections and building the foundations of trust.

Stanley concluded that while digital tools certainly have their place, the inherent value of connecting in-person will never disappear.

“If you're still contemplating attending your next industry event, remember the multifaceted benefits these gatherings offer, promising significant immediate advantages and substantial long-term professional development,” Stanley said.

“So, step out from behind your digital screens and engage in the rich, real-world experiences only in-person events can offer.

“Beyond business transactions, they foster a vibrant community of shared purposes, often sparking collaborations that are hard to forge in virtual settings. Remember, every interaction is a stepping stone towards a more successful and fulfilling career.”