Does face time matter with your vendors?

As I've been able to develop a team, I've been "out and about" and in the field less and less over the last couple years.

There is a portion of me that misses the nitty-gritty of pounding the pavement, so to speak, but a larger amount of gratitude that I can instead manage and close deals from the comfort of my office. (Keep in mind too, that here in AZ there are 5+ months of 100 degree weather!)

But, as of late I've been making more of an effort to get out and about and meet and greet with the people I work with constantly, say thank you, talk business, and share ideas.

The face time often leads to programs/marketing ideas I didn't know they offered, sharing notes on recently closed deals, learning more about their staff, and honestly, just building goodwill in the community.

There's a difference between posting comments on people's Facebook status', and literally sitting face to face and discussing business and deepening that relationship. Wouldn't you agree?

And, there's something to be said about "being in the trenches" with the same associates/vendors during this economic rollercoaster. We've all experienced challenges, setbacks, and successes, and continue to thrive by linking with the right team mates.

I'm challenging myself now to get out of my comfort zone of these types of "check ins" and to start going to networking events (which I'll admit, I'm pretty uncomfortable with!)

Are you doing anything to interact face to face with clients, associates, and vendors more? Do you think it's worth it?

To your success!