The first Handshake- Hee hee


In my last post, I shared how powerful it feels to be recognized by someone when traveling — that moment when a familiar face turns a sea of strangers into a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder that we are all nobody until we are somebody to someone.


But there’s another kind of recognition that carries just as much impact — meeting someone for the first time in person after years of only chatting online or connecting over video calls.


In today’s world, so many of our professional relationships start digitally. We exchange messages on LinkedIn, collaborate on projects over Zoom, or brainstorm ideas through endless email threads. Trust, rapport, and even friendship are built in these virtual spaces long before we ever share the same room.


And then one day, it happens.


That handshake.


That first face-to-face conversation with someone you’ve “known” for years. Suddenly, this person isn’t just a name in your inbox or a voice on a call — they’re real, present, and invested.


This is where networking transforms.


In business, connections are currency. But it’s not enough to just connect — you need to solidify those relationships. Meeting in person deepens bonds in a way no platform can replicate. It creates a sense of commitment. It opens doors for deeper collaboration, candid conversations, and opportunities that would never exist otherwise.


That first in-person interaction often sparks a turning point: a client becomes a partner, a colleague becomes a mentor, a casual connection becomes a trusted ally.


The truth is, business networking isn’t just about collecting contacts — it’s about converting relationships into real, lasting partnerships. And more often than not, that transformation happens when you step out from behind the screen and truly show up.


So, as you grow your network, don’t underestimate the power of meeting someone you’ve only known digitally. Make the trip. Schedule the coffee. Attend the conference. Because in business, as in life, we are all nobody until we are somebody to someone — and that recognition often starts with a simple handshake.


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