Talking People

Secrets of a Successful Meeting

Invest time at the start of a business relationship

Put greater importance on face-to-face meetings at the start of a business relationship – the more time you spend in a colleague’s company, the quicker you can build a strong and confident relationship.

Be cost and time efficient with virtual connections

Around two-thirds (64%) of professionals find virtual meetings to be more time-efficient. Use them for less complex conversations such as short briefings and updates. However, for more complex discussion, such as negotiations or performance reviews, face-to-face meetings tend to be more productive.

Connect before you meet

Use social media to research a business partner

before meeting – you may have a mutual connection or share a business relationship with another colleague, which will help you establish a rapport when you meet.

Small talk, big reward

Don’t underestimate the importance of small talk –discussing topical issues around current affairs or even the weather are important opportunities to build trust through sharing

commonalities.

Be smart with your smartphone

Smartphones and laptops are common accessories at meetings, but be careful of how and when they’re used – Just over two thirds (69%) of people said colleagues checking their phones were a big nuisance in meetings.

Meet in the morning

Generally, morning is the right time to meet in order to have a successful meeting, ideally either on a Monday or Tuesday. People usually

have more energy in the late morning as body

temperature starts to rise just before we wake

and continues to rise through the morning as concentration and alertness gradually improve. So aim to meet late morning, if possible. Also, a meeting will be most productive if there is time

afterwards to act on the actions agreed.

Meeting facilities and location…

Meeting facilities are very important, as these are the venues in which complex social interactions take place. Two of the most frequently given factors for success in a business meeting were comfortable chairs (53%) and temperature (59%).

The golden handshake

When meeting in a culture where handshakes are the norm, make sure yours is strong. No one will tell you if your handshake is weak but it could leave a really bad first impression.

Stand out in a meeting

Contribute to the conversation in a way that takes the meeting forward; leaning in, showing focussed attention by asking insightful questions,

demonstrating nuanced understanding of the problem and empathy for the people involved will make you stand out and be noticed.