Business meetings can be stressful, even for those who have
been swimming in the corporate waters for a long time. Every meeting is
different. Different clients, colleagues, partners and potential investors
don’t think alike. The behavior and approach required of you, however, are the
same in most cases. If you want to land a great opportunity, form new
connections and continue to do a good job, you will probably have to go to tons
of corporate meetings, so it is imperative to know what is expected of you.
Your success depends on it. We will give you a few tips that will help you rise
above the ordinary and truly impress business partners at corporate meetings.
Know who you are meeting with
As we already mentioned, the first thing that makes every
meeting different is the audience. In order to appeal to that specific
audience, you should learn as much as you can about the people you are meeting
with. Know everything – from the core decision-makers to influencers. For that
extra bit of “impressiveness”, find out something about their interests (e.g.
favorite sports team), and when the time is right, use it to your advantage.
Don’t be stiff
Although a serious and professional approach is always
desirable, you shouldn’t be nervous
or act too stiff and distant while having business conversations. However, you
shouldn’t go to the other extreme and be too casual, getting into people’s
faces and telling dirty jokes. The right way to go is the middle ground, where
you will have a pleasant and relaxed talk about business, while telling an
occasional appropriate anecdote or smiling.
Give strong arguments
Never go to a business meeting without preparing data to
support your arguments. This is especially important if you are presenting some
new idea or want to talk someone into doing business with you. Regardless of
your area of expertise, you will have the best luck if you are armed with
strategic solutions for cost reduction and increasing ROI, as well as numbers
and measured results for the project in question.
Be thoughtful
When the ancient Romans wanted to reach some decision, they
would organize extravagant social events full of lavish meals and beautiful
women. Today, Australian businesspeople have a different approach to making
their clients/partners feel welcome. They are sending Astra limousines all across Sydney
to make sure their guests have a smooth ride to the meeting place. This is a
gesture appropriate for our era that shows just enough attention.
Give them a chance to breathe
You would be surprised just how many business meetings have
failed due to an unreasonable timetable. Some negotiations can last for hours,
and thus become unproductive because everyone present is annoyed and exhausted.
Make sure you give your partners a chance to take a breath by organizing breaks
for coffee, snacks or lunch. That’s how you will keep them enthusiastic about
your cause and earn a plus with them.
Choose the right venue
It would be best to have a conference room in your office,
but a lot of companies do not have so much space on their premises. If you are
one of them, you should do your best to find
a space near your office building. The space should be professionally
designed and of sufficient capacity to accommodate all your guests. It is also
important for it to be quiet.
Conclude the meeting right
First impressions matter, but last ones are also crucial. Be
sure to finish the meeting with confidence and with the same level of energy
and enthusiasm you had at the very beginning. Summarize your goals and emphasize
how important their opinion is to you. Finally, you can give them something to
remember you by, such as promotional gifts with the logo of your company.
Cultivating strong and permanent relationships with your
business associates is one of those things that keep your business afloat. A
large part of that is done at corporate meetings, where you also have the
chance to get support for your idea, whether in the form of a nod or
investment.