subject: Tips For A Successful Business Meeting [print this page] It may seem like something of a chore, but the humble business meeting is actually one of the main fulcrums of commercial activity. New relationships are agreed, while existing relationships are cemented or not, as the case may be. Of course, there are plenty of things to consider when trying to organise a successful business meeting, and meticulous preparation can help seal the deal. Going the extra mile can make a real positive impression on a prospective client, and its equally important to keep existing clients on side. Here are a few things you may wish to consider if youve got a business meeting in mind.
Sticking to the proper business meeting etiquette is important. Of course, there arent any standardised rules as such which might make things more difficult but there are general boundaries you should look to stick to. Punctuality is crucial when it comes to business meetings, as arriving late can indicate either incompetence or complacency not two qualities which are generally associated with successful businesses. Try to get to your meeting venue you around 15-30 minutes ahead of schedule. This should give you a bit of a cushion just in case you have any transport issues, and may also provide you with a few minutes to make those last-minute preparations.
It should go without saying, however, that you dont want to leave too many of those preparations to the very last minute. If youre planning on making a presentation, it could be worth rehearsing it in advance so that you know youve got it nailed. Also, ensure you have whatever handouts and PowerPoint slides you need in order to get your message across most effectively. Many people come to expect this sort of thing as a matter of course in business meetings, so dont assume you can simply turn up and reel all the details off the top of your head. Omissions and oversights are quite likely unless you make the required preparations.
Your choice of venue also requires careful thought. There are many different hotels with business meeting room facilities all over the world, so youre sure to find somewhere thats right for you. You may be looking for somewhere tucked away in the countryside, or right in the heart of the city. Wherever you decide to hold your business meeting, you should think carefully about whether there are good transport links in place after all, you dont want anyone getting lost. Search online to find out more about what hotel meeting rooms have to offer.
