Business Meeting Techniques For Solid Results and Professional Follow-ups

Generally, etiquette means using your common sense well, together with a little practice. Some people can easily identify the things to do and not to do especially if they are attending a business meeting. Your performance and behavior can make or break your professional career, as well as provide some hints to your superiors or colleagues on how you should be treated in the highly-competitive workplace. Here are some basic guidelines and useful techniques to conduct a successful business meeting for solid results:

(i) Primary Tips

Remember: as a primary technique, always be on time when joining a business meeting. You should arrive a few minutes before the meeting should start. You will show respect for the person who plans the meeting that you are an organized and punctual worker. In addition, you should be well-prepared for the business meeting. You must know what the topic is about and do some advanced research so you can easily follow the course.

You are expected to look for related materials and other rules that should be addressed. You will get better input to make the business meeting a success by studying in advance. Always bring with the needed materials, such as a notebook and pen to take notes. This also shows that you are serious about the topics discussed. You shall actively participate in the meeting by asking questions and volunteering for certain tasks that need to be done.

(ii) Right Behavior

Always be attentive and polite when joining the business meeting. Do not cross-talk while someone is talking and wait for the speaker to finish or until he asks for your opinion before speaking. Always be courteous and listen to the person talking. Fight the urge to argue with anybody at the table. Conduct yourself in a very professional manner. Doing some good research will show that you are knowledgeable and understanding. Always remember to thank the person who organized the meeting afterwards.

(iii) If You are Hosting the Meeting

If you are the one calling for the business meeting, a must-do technique is to plan ahead and let people know about the venue and date weeks before the actual event. Send out invitations and notifications to have them prepare for the course. Always include a clear meeting agenda. Action items should also be listed so that participants can address the issues properly. Set a reasonable time limit for each item as well so that your colleagues can use the period productively. Provide a set number of minutes for group discussion, as well as for yourself to conduct the agenda successfully.

(iv) Taking Initiative

You have to encourage punctuality by never coming late at your own business meeting. You should dress professionally and seriously. Even if it is a casual dressing day, come in your proper business attire. Make sure you stick to the key concerns within the given time limit. Manage the meeting well and each person should have the rights to speak at a certain time. Guide the course of the meeting by indicating the turning points and key points successfully.

Another technique is to stay calm and be diplomatic. Try your best to stay away from bickering and arguments. Always be result-oriented. After all, every professional business meeting must have solid results, otherwise there is no point to conduct such a meeting. You must remember to summarize the points discussed in the meeting to wrap up everything. If you should request for a follow-up business meeting, indicate that you will notify them with the next steps, time and place. Always request feedback as well, so that you can continually improve in your craft and become a productive member of the workplace.