According to Information recently released by LinkedIn, Brazil is the third country with the highest engagement on the platform, surpassing the milestone of 75 million users. The network’s disclosed average is that 150 thousand Brazilians create accounts weekly, making this environment one of the most sought after for professional contacts. However, a new trend is gaining strength: business clubs. After all, no other format will be more authentic and assertive than the real world.
For Tiago Machado, founder and CEO of Club M Brasil, one of the largest business clubs in the country, the secret lies in combining digital tools with in-person experiences. “Today, the virtual facilitates access to different types of people and the exchange of information between them, however, amid standardized professional profiles, it is difficult to generate deep bonds. Another point of attention in connections through social networks is the quality of the exchange, as we are used to sharing our successes in these spaces, but it is precisely in vulnerability, in opening up about the main challenges faced in daily life, that we will be able to expand the repertoire to truly make a difference in our company,” he states.
To help business owners create impactful professional interactions, the executive listed below the five main tips. Check them out below:
Real experiences create stronger bonds In-person exchanges create room to build trust bonds. “Initiatives like business clubs, for example, promote lunches and gatherings that go beyond the formal. It is precisely when you share a meal or participate in an activity outside the office that barriers fall and people come closer,” says Machado.
Segmentation and focus Social networks offer reach, but lack assertiveness. “Clubs bring together people with similar interests and affinities. These segmented groups help direct conversations and create more strategic partnerships, as well as allow entrepreneurs to exchange relevant experiences in their areas of activity, facilitating collaborations that truly make a difference in business,” explains the CEO.
Mutual learning in trustworthy environments Unlike what happens online, where interaction is often superficial, in-person meetings offer a space for mutual learning. “Clubs for entrepreneurs offer actions focused on learning, such as discussion circles and pitch days, forming a community of mutual assistance for generating insights and solutions to common challenges,” reveals the executive.
Creating environments conducive to innovation
The best ideas do not always arise in meeting rooms. “Alternative environments, such as beach meetings or visits to other entrepreneurs’ companies, provide a more relaxed atmosphere where creativity can flourish. The variety of scenarios helps break thinking patterns and opens up space for innovation, something difficult to achieve in interactions limited to a screen,” points out the expert.
Connections beyond the immediate objective
Often, connections made online have an immediate and specific purpose. In the real world, professional interactions can and should be seen as a continuous process. “Working on activities that promote the building of personal relationships creates fertile ground for business to happen naturally. By encouraging participation in social activities, travel, and events, entrepreneurs can build a broader, diverse, and strategic network of contacts,” Machado concludes.
