Why personal exchange and networking are of great importance in an increasingly digitalised world.
A balance between personal and digital
Digitalisation is omnipresent in today’s working world. Virtual meetings, social media and digital platforms have revolutionised the way we work and communicate. But despite these technological changes, the personal aspect of communication remains an essential part of our everyday lives. Especially when it comes to contacts, networks and recommendations, where human interaction and authentic relationships are indispensable even in a digitalised world.
Networking – but how and where?
Networking is nothing new in the world of work, but its importance has not diminished in an increasingly digitalised environment – on the contrary. Building and maintaining a network requires time, patience and, above all, personal commitment. A strong network is based on authentic relationships that are strengthened through personal interaction. While digital platforms such as LinkedIn and Xing are great tools for making and maintaining contacts, there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction at events, conferences and informal meetings. However, it can be challenging to find the right mix of digital and face-to-face interactions. While digital communication offers quick and efficient solutions, it is the personal encounters that often make the decisive difference. The key is to utilise the strengths of both worlds – digital and face-to-face – to create an environment in which relationships that feel genuine and good can be nurtured.
The value of personal recommendations in the digital age
At a time when we are flooded with information from countless sources, it is often difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. This is where the power of personal recommendations comes into play. Recommendations from people we trust – whether in a professional or private context – continue to have a significant influence on our decisions. Personal recommendations are more than just an exchange of information; they are an expression of trust between the people involved. This type of exchange creates a connection that digital channels struggle to replicate. A recommendation from a colleague, a friend or a business partner often has a very different quality to an online review, a rigid search or the response from an AI tool.
How the recommendation culture is linked to the corporate culture
A strong referral culture in an organisation is also an expression of a corporate culture based on trust, appreciation and authentic communication. In a world where companies increasingly rely on their online presence and digital marketing strategies, it is the personal recommendation that often makes the decisive difference. Employees who feel valued and proud of their work are happy to share their positive experiences with others – be it friends, business partners or family. These recommendations are particularly valuable as they are based on real experiences and therefore have a high level of credibility. Particularly in difficult labour market situations, this can also generate exciting applicants who, based on the recommendations of their own employees, fit in well with the organisation and represent the same values. A corporate culture that promotes personal recommendations therefore not only strengthens employee loyalty to the company, but also its external reputation.
Conclusion
At a time when digital tools and platforms characterise our everyday working lives, personal exchange and the cultivation of authentic relationships remain an indispensable success factor. Recommendations based on trust and genuine experiences have a lasting effect – both in a professional and private context. Companies that promote a balance between digital efficiency and personal communication create a strong foundation for long-term relationships and a positive corporate culture. After all, it is the people and their connections that ultimately make the difference.
Article written by: Sophia Merten, CFR Global Executive Search Austria
Photo: Shutterstock
Original blogpost: https://www.trescon.at/blog/blog-detail/die-macht-der-empfehlungen