Arrive On Time
Arriving on time is a key part of ensuring that business meetings run smoothly. It also shows that you’re considerate of others and their schedules.
A study of over 11 million business meetings found that 35% of them start late, which can cost a company about 8% of their productivity.
The best way to avoid this is to establish a meeting norm that aims to help people know when they should arrive on time.
Prepare In Advance
Whether you’re training employees, closing an important sale or keeping your business on track, successful meetings require a great deal of preparation. You need to be prepared to arrange meeting rooms, gather materials, send out invitations and coordinate activities.
You also need to make sure that everyone who will be attending the meeting is properly informed about the purpose of the meeting, what they’ll be expected to do and what the outcome will be. This helps you avoid wasting valuable time and keeps things moving forward as smoothly as possible.
Listen Actively
Taking the time to listen actively during business meetings shows that you care. It also helps you build stronger relationships with colleagues and clients.
Active listening involves focusing on what the other person is saying and allowing them to finish their sentences without interruption. This allows them to express their feelings more fully and avoids making unfair assumptions based on your own interpretation of their words.
Be Prepared
Business meetings can be a key tool for training employees, closing a deal or setting business goals. However, they are only effective when they’re run properly.
Taking the time to prepare for any meeting is essential. It helps ensure that all participants have what they need to succeed and leave the meeting feeling good about their efforts.