Why personal networking is essential in a digital world

In an increasingly hybrid working world, face-to-face meetings and networking events remain particularly important. Of course, digital communication offers us tons of advantages - we at coapp know that only too well. That's why face-to-face meetings at events are a great addition. Why do we think we need both - and where will you be able to shake our hands in real life soon?

Hardy Seiler (center) with Carsten Gröning, Julian Hartmann and other participants 80 seconds conference in Gelsenkirchen

Trusting, authentic connections

At coapp, we are very interested in functioning communities and the added value of good relationships. In addition to digital acquaintances, personal encounters often reveal the subtle nuances of interpersonal communication: a handshake, non-verbal signals such as body language or eye contact, tone of voice and humor - all factors that allow authentic relationships to grow.

In short, trust is a crucial factor in building a network. Personal interactions - in addition to digital networking via social media, email and the like - lead to an understanding of a contact's personality and integrity.

Hardy Seiler presented coapp at the 80 seconds conference in Gelsenkirchen

Show don't tell

Face-to-face meetings at events are fantastic for creative exchange and new ideas if you are already inspired by panel discussions, workshops or presentations. Enthusiasm is contagious, and in addition to digital networking, direct contact can create a good atmosphere for brainstorming and idea generation. Such informal interactions are often the key to new opportunities. And even if you have known each other for a long time or are connected on LinkedIn, a face-to-face meeting can deepen trust.

Speaking of lasting impressions: we are also happy to be invited as speakers - as we were last week at the 80 seconds conference in Gelsenkirchen. Hardy Seiler and Jonas Lindemann took part in the intensive specialist forum on holistic neighborhood development with around 50 participants - and were impressed by the exciting presentations, solution-oriented working groups and valuable discussions. "In addition to sustainability, the focus was always on communication, cooperation, strengthening neighborhood structures, living space geared towards social exchange and anonymity in the neighborhood," says Hardy. Absolute coapp heart topics that require both digital innovation and community activities in real life.

We from the coapp team are happy to talk about such social issues as well as our own projects, or in panels about our experiences with functioning communities, the future of hybrid working, brand building, or or or or. Hit us up! 🤗

Stella at cowork2024 - in the coworking space "SteamWork" of GoodSpaces.

Let's hit it!

Real-life networking events offer the opportunity to gain new experiences together - whether over a meal, during activities or in discussions on relevant specialist topics. This makes it easy to make new contacts. Of course, digital formats, apps and social platforms such as coapp also play a very important role today, because real encounters and digital networking go hand in hand.

In the coming weeks you can meet us in person here, for example:

🟡 Thursday, April 25 to Sunday, April 28: Cowork 2024, the industry get-together for anyone interested in coworking or running their own coworking spaces.

🟡 Friday, July 5: GenoDigital Barcamp in Berlin, the agile conference of the TAZ cooperative on the topics of digital transformation, financing, member acquisition and cooperatives.

We look forward to seeing you!