We're surrounded by social media--Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others!  With this lightning fast-paced age of technology, taking time to connect in-person seems like moving through water.  I love connecting with my friends and colleagues online-- I can keep current on the lives of friends close and far. There is no other feeling than connecting with someone face-to-face.

Every September I meet up with my AssistU colleagues, other Virtual Assistants trained through the Virtual Training Program, during a weekend called Homecoming.  Once a year we recognize outstanding community members and spend time with those we connect with virtually the rest of the year.  There are no words to describe how special this event is to those of us who attend.  We don't have to explain what we do or how we work, we just "get" it!  The feeling is like coming home.

If the only way you are connecting with your clients or customers is by way of a computer, you are missing a critical piece of the relationship.  Humans are social creatures.  We connect best when we can use our senses.  Start a relationship virtually, and then make it a priority to get together in person once in a while.  You'll be surprised how it deepens your relationship!

There is a great article in Woman's Day, How Connected Are We?