Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the word meeting as an act of coming together.  The term meet is defined as to come upon; find; to join; to join in conversation.  Now that we are on the same page with clarity and understanding, let’s explain what it means to prepare for the meeting. 

The meeting drives activity.  It’s the initial step towards building rapport with a person.  The meeting is designed to build relationships.  When the meeting goes well, a multitude of opportunities can arise.  These opportunities are not limited to impossibilities but they include the desire to learn more about a person, place or thing.  The meeting is the beginning.  How we introduce ourselves can determine whether a business relationship develops and flourishes or dissipates and dissolves. 

Let’s assume you’ve met someone at a networking event, perhaps the Women’s Book Launch Party.  You’ve exchanged cards with them based on a peer-to-peer introduction, eye contact or even a brief conversation. Time has passed and you decide to follow-up and call the person to schedule a meeting.  This is your opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone, meet at a coffee shop and be open and attentive to understanding what this person does and how you might be able to work together or help each other. 

Here are 4 simple steps to follow in preparation:

1. Always go to the meeting with this question in mind, “what value could I give to this person to help them make connections or grow their business?” 

If we all have this mindset and willingness to assist and develop one another, the fear of admitting our limitations doesn’t come into the equation and the threat of someone doing better than you is eliminated.  We all begin to contribute to everyone’s growth. 

2. Find out who you are meeting with and what their roles and responsibilities are at their place of business. 

You can do a little research on a person to understand their responsibilities, but you can only feel the character of the person while at the meeting.  Don’t rely so much on bios.  The bio is to the person as a business card is to the business.  It’s just a brief exclamation of the person.  Allow them to talk about themselves and vice versa. The meeting is a conversation not an interview.  Many professionals haven’t mastered this and are at a disadvantage. 

3. Have an agenda of what you would both like to get out of the meeting. 

Here are some questions you can ask to help get you started:

  • If you could do some things differently in your profession, what would they be? 
  • How could I help you accomplish some of your goals?
  • What can I do to help you until we meet again?

4. Always bring your business cards with you.  It initiates a conversation that leads to the meeting that leads to the opportunity of connections, friendships and collaborations. 

One of my favorite quotes shared by Les Brown is that “it’s better to be prepared for an opportunity than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.” 

The meeting should only be scheduled for thirty to forty-five minutes, which will hopefully lead to the connections and results that you have so desired. The meeting should be the lamp that allows you to see and helps reenergize you.

So tell me what are innovative ways in which you’ve maintained control of the meeting?  Or, what are some objections that you’ve had to overcome because you just didn’t get the meeting?  What do you need to see from the person that you are meeting with?

Peace be with you. 

Yvette Alexander Slate, Founder & Principal, Carried the Bag

www.carriedthebag.com