If you are a business owner, it is important that you are aware of the dos and don’ts when it comes to business meeting etiquette. This can be an extremely valuable skill to have as far as building and maintaining good relationships within your company. Learning what the do’s and don’t are for proper business etiquette can also be beneficial in making sure that everyone has a positive experience at all times during your meetings.
There are several things to keep in mind when it comes to being a good host. For example, one of the do’s for meeting etiquette is to make sure that everyone is properly prepared. If they are not, you may be creating a bad impression for everyone. That means that you need to get everyone on the same page before you begin the meeting. Also, make sure that they know what to bring to the meeting and where they will be going. Then, you will know whether or not they should arrive 15 minutes early so that they can bring a notebook and pen, or if they should arrive five minutes earlier so that they can bring a lunch.
Another thing that you should do is introduce the members of the business meeting to the chairperson or whoever is going to be hosting the meeting. Give them a quick overview of who is going to be at the meeting and why they are there. Then, ask each person to stand or walk in front of the chairperson. When you are introducing your group, make sure that you address the group collectively with your name and title as the first thing that you say.
Do not allow someone to just come in and start telling stories or asking questions. This is considered rude and can get anyone angry, which will not help the overall etiquette in the room. Instead, listen to what everyone says and address any questions or issues that arise after that.
If someone is talking about something that you have not heard before, make sure you interject. You are not there to be negative or try to make everyone feel stupid. Even if you don’t understand what is being said, you can always ask for clarification if it is needed. It is important to remain quiet while the other people in the meeting are being negative, however, if you do have to, make sure that you stay in the background until the conversation slows down.
Business meetings are only as helpful as the level of etiquette that is present. If the meeting is not run properly, then the entire purpose of the meeting is defeated. Make sure that you have all of the minutes of the meeting printed out so that everyone knows exactly what took place and when. Then, make sure that you have access to these minutes on an ongoing basis.
As the head of the meeting, make sure that you do not take the position of either being the organizer or the leader. If you do, it will only make everyone feel intimidated and they will be much more likely to be hostile towards you. Instead, let someone else step up and assume that role. That way, everyone can recognize who is actually in charge and they can also see the direction the meeting is taking.
There is no way to really know how other businesses handle their business meetings, however, you can always follow a few simple rules of business meeting etiquette. These tips should help get you started. Remember that if you follow them, you will find that your meetings are much more successful and you will be able to do business with others without fear of making costly mistakes.