The importance of interaction

Three key statistics gathered in 2021 by Great Business Schools:

• Face-to-face conversations tend to be more positive, and perceived as more credible
• 84% of those surveyed report preferring to meet in person
• 72% of those surveyed said they were influenced by looks and handshake

Virtual methods of communicating have transformed and improved our lives in many ways. Online video calls, webinars, email, and social media have made it easier to keep in touch with friends, family, colleagues and clients, as well as the latest news and trends from around the world. During Covid related restrictions it helped build and maintain relationships, at a time when face to face networking wasn’t possible.

There’s no doubt that technological developments have opened up numerous possibilities for digital communications, but ‘virtual’ is not a ‘cure all’. It is just one, albeit important element, of a broad communications strategy that can be used to complement other ways of talking to your target audiences.

As research gathered by Great Business Schools indicates, face to face interaction can be more valuable, helping to build a rapport that isn’t always as easy to replicate online. Networking can sometimes be neglected when formulating a campaign, or at busy times. We ensure that all our clients are aware of the benefits that ‘physical’ methods of communicating can bring.

Attending networking events, participating in industry debates, taking part in exhibitions, or giving presentations at conferences are all highly effective and valuable ways to raise a company’s or an individual’s profile. We recommend professional groups and industry bodies that our clients can be involved with, awards they might consider entering, and live or virtual events they could speak at. You can even combine the best of both worlds, for example by creating video content from an event for your website.

We practice what we preach as well, and are members of several industry bodies, and know the value of networking and supporting key trade events. For instance, this month we sponsored the champagne reception at the 50^th anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners. As a long-term member of this livery company for the professional cleaning sector, Ceris was proud to support this. We have also sponsored the ‘Best initiative raising the profile of the cleaning sector’ category in the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards, since its inception. We regularly attend, and have managed the PR, for events including the British Institute of Cleaning Science Awards, Facilities Show, the Environment Media Group, and RWM.

Early on in the pandemic, we also came up with a fresh approach for the professional cleaning industry to continue to network, launching Cleaning Interactive, the first ever high-tech, virtual event for the sector.

Whatever message you want to communicate we can help you, by identifying the right methods, publications, or events for you, and providing the content you need, to get the results you require. To find out more, please get in touch or reach out to us at an industry event!