By Alison Cooper, CEO, Six Figured Females
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, it can feel as though everything is happening on a screen. Emails, video calls, instant messaging and more. Remote and hybrid working offer flexibility and freedom, but they’ve also created distance. With one in four people now working a hybrid week, opportunities to connect face to face are fewer than ever.
Meanwhile, technology is evolving faster than most of us can keep up with. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we work, taking over repetitive tasks, analysing data, even helping us create content and make strategic decisions. But for all its brilliance, AI cannot replicate one thing that drives business forward: genuine human connection.
Technology can do amazing things, but it cannot replace the energy, empathy, and understanding that comes from sitting down with someone in person. Those are the moments that build trust, spark ideas, and open doors.
Face-to-face networking still matters
There’s something about walking into a room and connecting with people in real life that digital platforms cannot replicate. You can feel the energy, read body language, share a laugh, and have a conversation that flows naturally. These interactions are where real trust and meaningful connections are born.
Face-to-face networking is more than swapping business cards or delivering a polished elevator pitch. It’s about building relationships that grow over time. Many of our members have found opportunities, from collaborations to partnerships, that began with a single conversation at one of our events.
When you meet people in person, something subtle but powerful happens. You engage more deeply, remember each other more clearly, and listen differently. These dynamics make face-to-face networking one of the most effective ways to grow a business. Whether it’s a referral, a joint venture, or an idea shared over coffee, the value of in-person connection cannot be overstated.
Using technology to create more space for human connection
One common challenge I hear from business leaders is a lack of time. Running a business often means wearing multiple hats, from marketing to HR to operations. This is where technology, including AI, becomes an ally.
By automating routine tasks such as managing calendars, generating reports, or analysing trends, AI frees up time and headspace. And that’s time you can invest in what truly matters: leading your business and building meaningful relationships. Rather than replacing human interaction, technology can enable you to spend more of your time where it counts.
Finding the right networking opportunities
Not all networking events are created equal, and that’s okay. The right room should feel safe, supportive, and energising — somewhere you look forward to going, not something that drains you. The best networking spaces are those that encourage collaboration, celebrate successes, and foster inspiration. When you find a network that aligns with your values and goals, it becomes a source of both professional opportunity and personal fulfilment.
Networking as a catalyst for growth and inspiration
Face-to-face networking often leads to results that go far beyond transactions. Within our community, members collaborate on projects, refer clients, and create joint ventures that allow them to offer more comprehensive services. They share challenges, celebrate milestones, and provide support through both growth and uncertainty.
Networking is not just about clients or business leads. It’s about inspiration, belonging, and community. For many business leaders, the right network becomes a source of motivation and strength; a place where people understand the challenges of growth, cheer you on, and remind you of what’s possible.
Tips for making networking work for you
- Be intentional: Know what you hope to achieve, but stay open to where conversations may lead.
- Focus on relationships, not transactions: Trust comes first, business follows.
- Give as much as you receive: Share knowledge, introduce others, and champion your peers.
- Be consistent: Show up regularly to build recognition and trust.
- Follow up: A simple message or coffee invitation can turn a casual chat into a long-term relationship.
AI can’t replace human connection
AI can streamline processes, analyse data, and help us work smarter. But it cannot replace the spark that happens when two people meet and truly connect. It cannot replicate intuition, empathy, or the sense of community that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself.
Technology may help us move faster, but people help us move further. Business growth is not just about numbers — it’s about relationships. And the strongest, most enduring ones are built face to face.
