Business Meeting Etiquette

In the business world, proper business meeting etiquette is simply a means of maximising your business potential by presenting yourself favourably. Whether you're building relationships with colleagues, clients or customers, you want to get off on the right foot. Getting off on the wrong foot can ultimately influence your success or failure in the business world.

Because business meetings are such a key ingredient to every business person's life, we must have a clear understanding of how to create an effective and successful business meeting.

Certainly, we can all identify what not to do when planning and/or attending a meeting, but what we really need is a few guildlines of good business meeting etiquette. By improving your business etiquette you automatically improve your chances of success.






Here are some tips to help.

• Be on time. Be sure to arrive a few minutes before the meeting begins. This shows respect for the meeting planner and shows that you are organized.

• Be prepared for the meeting. If you are using reports or any other information, hand them out at least a few moments prior to the meeting.

• Dress professionally. Appearance is important. Always wear appropriate business apparel.

• Always remember to switch off your cell phone.

• Smile. Look as if you are pleased to be with the people around you regardless of what the meeting topic might be.

• Pay attention to the names of the people you meet. Concentrate and repeat the name as soon as you hear it, you stand a better chance of remembering it later.

• At the end of the meeting, sum up any action that must be taken if necessary.

• Thank everyone for attending, and request feedback.

• Set the next meeting date.