Coast-to-Coast Business: Why Some Meetings Can’t Be Done Over Zoom

As a business leader committed to building personal connections and driving growth, there are some things you just can’t accomplish from behind a screen. While virtual meetings have certainly streamlined communication, certain interactions demand a level of personal engagement that no technology can replicate. That’s why I often find myself jetting across the country in a single day to make these vital connections. One such routine involves a 4 a.m. wake-up call in Newport Beach, a 7 a.m. flight out of LAX, landing in New York by 3 p.m., and flying back the same evening to be home by midnight.

These whirlwind trips are more than just a testament to dedication; they reflect the value I place on client interaction, relationship-building, and business development. There’s something irreplaceable about being physically present—meeting face-to-face brings a level of trust and collaboration that Zoom simply can’t provide. In many industries, and particularly in mine, these in-person meetings are crucial for solidifying partnerships, closing deals, and discussing complex projects where body language, spontaneity, and immediate problem-solving come into play.

The Importance of In-Person Client Meetings

For me, hopping on a plane isn’t just about logistics—it’s about showing commitment. A Zoom call may be more convenient, but nothing communicates dedication quite like traveling across the country for a single meeting. It signals to clients that their business is valued, and it helps to foster deeper, more trusting relationships. It also provides the opportunity to have real-time, nuanced conversations where ideas can flow freely and any challenges or opportunities can be addressed on the spot.

In my business, where lighting solutions and bespoke designs are discussed, being on-site or in-person allows me to engage with clients in a more meaningful way, whether it’s reviewing samples or understanding a project’s environment. These are things that can’t always be conveyed through a screen.

Building Relationships and Driving Growth

Business development is often about more than just transactional deals; it’s about forging long-term partnerships. When I take these trips, it’s not just to sign off on paperwork—it’s to build relationships that are based on mutual trust and understanding. Every handshake, every shared story, and every in-person negotiation leaves an impression that virtual communication just can’t match.

The Logistics of a One-Day Cross-Country Trip

While the day starts early, the payoff is immense. I leave Newport Beach at 4 a.m., catching a 7 a.m. flight out of LAX. By 3 p.m., I’m in New York, ready for a meeting that might just determine the next phase of a major project. The meetings can last several hours, covering everything from product details to larger strategic goals. By 8 p.m., I’m back on a plane, touching down in Los Angeles around midnight. It’s a grueling schedule, but it’s always worth it when it means reinforcing client relationships and driving growth for Ideoli Group.

Why Some Meetings Can’t Be Done Over Zoom

Ultimately, certain business discussions—especially those related to complex products, designs, or strategic partnerships—benefit from the human connection of in-person meetings. For me, these cross-country trips are more than just a necessity; they’re a strategy for ensuring that the growth and success of my business are built on strong, lasting relationships.

This kind of dedication is what sets businesses apart in today’s competitive landscape, and it’s a philosophy that continues to drive me forward. After all, in a world dominated by technology, there’s still no replacement for face-to-face interaction.

“These whirlwind trips are more than just a testament to dedication; they reflect the value I place on client interaction, relationship-building, and business development.”

— GEORGE STROUMBOULIS

Same day trips across the country have become the norm. Face time is crucial.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRAVEL FOR MEETINGS INSTEAD OF ZOOM MEETINGS

Traveling for in-person meetings offers several significant advantages over Zoom meetings, despite the convenience and accessibility of virtual communication. Here’s why you should consider traveling for important meetings instead of solely relying on Zoom:

1. Building Deeper Connections

Face-to-face interaction fosters stronger personal connections than virtual meetings. The ability to engage in direct eye contact, read body language, and engage in small talk helps build rapport, trust, and long-term relationships that are harder to establish over a screen. In-person meetings also create a more personal experience, which can strengthen relationships, particularly for high-stakes negotiations or partnerships.

2. Clearer Communication and Collaboration

In-person meetings reduce the likelihood of miscommunication that can arise from technical glitches, poor internet connection, or the limitations of a virtual setting. Being physically present ensures that conversations are more fluid, and complex ideas or strategies can be discussed and clarified more effectively. You can also collaborate in real-time, drawing on whiteboards or brainstorming ideas together more easily.

3. Better Engagement and Focus

Meetings in person tend to have higher levels of engagement. When people are in a room together, they are less likely to multitask or be distracted by emails, notifications, or other tasks. In contrast, virtual meetings often lead to reduced attention spans or divided focus, which can negatively impact the quality of discussions.

4. Deeper Cultural Understanding and Context

Especially in international business, traveling to meet clients or partners in their home environment allows you to understand their culture, working style, and business operations more intimately. This contextual awareness can help strengthen business relationships and enhance the likelihood of successful collaborations by showing respect for the other party's practices and priorities.

5. Increased Trust and Commitment

Traveling for a meeting demonstrates a level of commitment and investment that virtual meetings can't always convey. It shows your clients, partners, or colleagues that you value their business and are willing to go the extra mile (literally) to meet them. This often translates into stronger professional bonds and greater trust, especially in industries where personal relationships are critical to business success.

6. Spontaneous Opportunities

Being physically present can lead to spontaneous conversations, networking opportunities, or new ideas that don’t often occur in structured Zoom meetings. These unplanned moments can open doors to additional business opportunities, partnerships, or problem-solving ideas that would otherwise not emerge in a controlled virtual environment.

7. Tangible Interaction with Products or Spaces

For industries like construction, real estate, or manufacturing, traveling to meetings allows you to physically interact with products, spaces, or designs. Seeing a space, feeling materials, or testing a product firsthand provides a level of understanding that can’t be replicated through a virtual tour or demonstration.

In summary, while Zoom meetings are convenient and cost-effective for many situations, the depth, focus, and opportunities that come with in-person interactions often make travel worthwhile for key business engagements.

IS UNITED AIRLINES A GOOD FLIGHT PARTNER TO BE A MEMBER OF?

United Airlines can be a good flight partner depending on your travel needs and preferences. Here are some key reasons why joining United’s MileagePlus loyalty program or flying United regularly might be beneficial:

1. Extensive Route Network

United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, which offers access to over 1,000 destinations in more than 190 countries. This makes it ideal for travelers who fly frequently both domestically and internationally. If you need flexibility in choosing flights or destinations, United’s vast network may be valuable.

2. Loyalty Program – MileagePlus

United’s MileagePlus program allows members to earn miles on flights, which can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, and other perks. Frequent flyers can also achieve elite status levels (Premier Silver, Gold, Platinum, or 1K), which come with benefits such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to United Club lounges.

3. United Polaris Business Class

For long-haul international travelers, United’s Polaris Business Class is highly regarded for its comfortable seats that convert into lie-flat beds, upgraded dining options, and dedicated lounges. If you travel internationally for business or pleasure, the Polaris experience is one of the airline’s key selling points.

4. In-Flight Experience

United Airlines offers various in-flight amenities, including Wi-Fi, personal device entertainment, and a large fleet of planes with modern features. However, the in-flight experience can vary depending on the aircraft and class of service, so it’s worth checking reviews for specific flights.

5. Partnerships and Alliances

As part of Star Alliance, United passengers can earn and redeem miles on flights operated by other member airlines such as Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines. This expands the options for frequent flyers beyond United’s own routes.

6. Improvements and Investments

United has been making strides to improve customer experience by updating its fleet and lounges. Recent investments in sustainability and new technologies like improved mobile apps and self-service options are also positive developments for frequent travelers.

7. Challenges

Some travelers report that United’s customer service can be hit or miss, and baggage issues or delays can occur, as with any major airline. Also, while the MileagePlus program has benefits, award flight availability and pricing have been criticized for fluctuating or being difficult to access at times.

In conclusion, United Airlines can be a strong flight partner for frequent flyers who value a broad route network, travel perks, and access to global destinations. It’s particularly suitable if you often fly internationally or within the U.S. and want to earn and redeem miles across a variety of airline partners. However, as with any airline, it’s important to consider both the positives and the potential challenges when deciding if it’s the right fit for you.

BEST WAY TO EARN THE MOST FLIGHT TRAVEL POINTS?

Maximizing the number of flight travel points you earn involves a strategic approach across several areas, from choosing the right credit card to taking advantage of partnerships and bonus offers. Here are some of the best ways to boost your point accumulation:

1. Choose the Right Credit Card

Airline-Specific Credit Cards: Many airlines offer branded credit cards that allow you to earn miles directly through their loyalty program. These cards often come with bonus miles when you sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement.
General Travel Credit Cards: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum allow you to earn points on all purchases and redeem them for travel through various programs. Often, these cards have more flexible redemption options, including transferring points to partner airlines for more value.
Maximize Bonus Categories: Many cards offer higher earning rates for specific categories like dining, travel, or groceries. Using these cards for purchases in those categories helps you earn more points quickly.

2. Fly with Airline Partners

Join a Major Alliance Program: Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam are the three major airline alliances. Flying with any airline in these groups allows you to earn miles that you can accumulate in a single frequent flyer program, even if the flight isn’t directly with the program’s primary airline.
Focus on Partner Flights: Some airlines have partnerships with others outside of their alliances, allowing you to earn miles when flying with them. Look for opportunities to fly partner airlines if they offer a better earning rate for your preferred loyalty program.

3. Take Advantage of Promotions and Bonus Offers

Sign-Up Bonuses: Many travel credit cards offer large point bonuses when you first open the card and meet a certain spending requirement. These bonuses can be worth several free flights.
Bonus Categories and Limited-Time Offers: Keep an eye out for promotions where airlines or credit cards offer additional miles for specific types of purchases or when booking certain flights.
Stack Promotions: Use online shopping portals through your airline’s program to earn extra points on purchases with partnered retailers. Combine these with credit card bonus categories to maximize earnings.

4. Maximize Everyday Spending

Use Your Credit Card for Everyday Purchases: By putting as many expenses as possible on your travel credit card (while staying within your budget and paying off the balance in full), you can earn points on everything from groceries to bills.
Pay with Points Where Applicable: Some cards allow you to use points for everyday expenses, which can help free up your travel budget for more points-earning purchases.

5. Book Through Airline Portals or Travel Aggregators

Use Airline Booking Portals: Many airlines have their own travel portals where you can book hotels, rental cars, and other travel services, earning miles for each booking.
Leverage Partner Hotels, Car Rentals, and More: Airlines often have partnerships with hotels, rental car companies, and other travel-related businesses. Booking through these partnerships can yield extra miles.

6. Leverage Loyalty Program Status

Elite Status Benefits: If you’re a frequent flyer, earning elite status with an airline can help you accumulate miles faster. Elite status often comes with perks like bonus miles for each flight, upgrades, and free checked bags.
Frequent Short Flights: Sometimes, you can rack up miles quickly by taking frequent short flights, which allow you to earn miles based on segments rather than distance.

7. Transfer Points from Other Programs

Credit Card Transfer Partners: Some cards, such as those from Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, allow you to transfer points to airline programs. This flexibility can help you boost your airline miles more quickly.
Hotel to Airline Transfers: Certain hotel loyalty programs (like Marriott Bonvoy) allow you to transfer points to airline programs. Occasionally, there are bonuses for transferring points, making this an attractive option.

8. Earn Miles on Non-Flight Activities

Dining Programs: Some airlines have dining rewards programs where you can earn miles when eating out at partner restaurants.
Shopping Portals: Airlines often have shopping portals that allow you to earn miles when shopping with partner retailers online.
Surveys and Promotions: Participate in surveys and limited-time promotions from airlines to earn extra miles without spending money.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly increase the amount of flight travel points you earn, making your trips more rewarding.