Why Meeting People Face-to-Face Still Matters for Your Business.

When did you last close a big deal over coffee instead of Zoom?

A handshake. A smile. A conversation over coffee. These aren’t just social gestures—they’re growth engines in business. While video calls keep us connected, it’s the real meetings that create trust, duplication, and decisions.

Studies suggest that up to 93% of communication is non-verbal—yet we try to build trust through screens.

Let me share a story that changed my life—and it all began with one in-person conversation.

My Turning Point

Three days after a major disappointment at work, I was having my morning coffee when a well-dressed man came to collect a package. His card said he worked for a chemical company, but the package was from an entrepreneurial opportunity.

I asked, “What’s this about? I keep seeing this company.”

He smiled warmly and replied, “I do this part-time and make good money weekly. If you want to learn, there’s a meeting at 8:30 tonight at the Hilton. Be there if you’re serious.”

I was skeptical. Tired. Broke. But I went.

That night, the energy in the room was electric. I saw teachers, engineers, single moms—ordinary people—sharing stories of success. It wasn’t hype. It was real.

I thought: If they can do it, why not me?

Harry, the man from the morning, found me afterward. “What do you have to lose by trying? Keep your job. Start part-time. Just invite others to learn.”

That moment brought me something I had lost: hope.

Why Face-to-Face Still Wins

That meeting changed everything. And it could never have happened over Zoom.

- I felt the energy.

- I saw the emotions.

- I built real trust.

- I connected with real people.

In-person meetings deliver something screens can’t: authenticity and impact.

The Power of Group Meetings and Social Proof

Personal meetings aren’t just about one-on-one coffee conversations. Group meetings create powerful social proof that can be even more persuasive and impactful for business growth.

When I walked into that room at the Hilton and saw teachers, engineers, and single moms sharing their success stories, it wasn’t just the individual connection with Harry that convinced me—it was the collective energy and social validation from seeing multiple people achieving results.

Group meetings offer unique advantages:

- Social Proof in Action: When prospects see others like them succeeding, it removes the “this won’t work for me” barrier

- Shared Energy: The collective enthusiasm and excitement in a room is contagious in a way that individual meetings can’t replicate

- Diverse Perspectives: Hearing different stories and backgrounds helps prospects see themselves in the opportunity

- Credibility Through Numbers: A room full of successful people carries more weight than any individual testimonial

- Community Building: People don’t just join opportunities—they join communities

If you’re running a transactional business—like e-commerce or Amazon—you might get by without meeting your customers. The sale is quick. The relationship is short.

But if your business depends on long-term relationships with prospects, partners, team members, or loyal clients, *personal meetings are not optional—they’re essential*.

Trust, loyalty, and team culture are built face-to-face—not in a chat box.

What We Learned from the Pandemic

Yes, online tools helped us survive. But many became too comfortable. Video calls are great for updates, but they can’t replace real connection.

Comfort can be the enemy of growth.

What You Lose by Staying Online

- Limited Connection: You miss energy, body language, and deeper cues.

- No Shared Experiences: Real trust builds over coffee, not in chat boxes.

- Harder to Build Trust: Face-to-face shows effort, sincerity, and presence.

When In-Person Is a Must

- Big decisions and long-term partnerships

- Building strong teams and resolving issues

- Creative collaboration and trust-building

The Hybrid Formula

Use video for speed. Use in-person for depth.

Successful entrepreneurs blend both. They don’t hide behind screens—they show up.

Your 3-Day Challenge

Try 1 face-to-face meeting per day for 3 days. No agenda. Just connect.

Here’s the key: Track how people respond to you differently in person. Notice the trust, energy, and willingness to move forward.

You’ll be surprised what doors open when people see your face, feel your presence, and trust your intentions.

Final Thought

That one coffee break meeting changed my life. It wasn’t about perfect timing or words—it was about being present.

In a world full of video calls, the person who shows up in real life still wins.

Want to learn more about building real business relationships?

Read my full story and get free resources at www.andresuccess.com.

If this resonated, share it with someone who needs to get out from behind their screen—and back into real connection.

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Andre Abouzeid

Wealth Strategist | International Entrepreneur | Co-Author with Brian Tracy

Helping entrepreneurs and investors build sustainable wealth through proven strategies, smart partnerships, and entrepreneurial leadership — backed by 25+ years of global experience.

👉 Learn more: www.andresuccess.com/blog📚 Explore my books: View on Amazon

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