An important business meeting often stands or falls on the right etiquette. Business people expect a certain level of etiquette; as long as you stick to the rules, you can get through any meeting without any problems.

 

Etiquette at a business meeting

 

- The material for the presentation should be carefully prepared in advance. A meeting only lasts a limited amount of time, which nobody wants to waste sorting through paperwork, because in the business world, time is money. Ideally, you should show your boss a draft of the presentation a few days before the meeting so that he or she can make suggestions.

The final draft of the presentation is distributed to the business people present at the beginning, with prior consultation with the boss.

 

- All office supplies required for the meeting should be prepared and brought along. A well-organised presentation reflects the efficiency of the company.

 

- Have business cards ready. Even if all the people at the meeting are known, you could still be asked for a business card.

 

- Arrive on time for the meeting. You should be at the venue around 15 minutes before the official start of the meeting so that the meeting can start on time and everything is prepared.

 

- Wear appropriate clothing. A proper suit and tie for men or a suit for women lends authority and self-confidence and gives the meeting an efficient and professional atmosphere. If you are dressed casually, it can appear as if you are not taking the meeting seriously.

 

- Even if you are given a copy of the presentation as a participant in the meeting, it is etiquette to take notes during a presentation, especially for questions that may arise later.

 

- Listen respectfully and attentively to your colleagues. Do not slide around restlessly in your chair, yawn or look in the other direction.

 

- Switching off your mobile phone or turning off the sound is an absolute must. Similarly, iPads or other laptops that have nothing to do with the meeting should remain in your bag for the duration of the meeting.

 

- Only ask questions after the end of the presentation. Do not interrupt the presentation under any circumstances. Make a note of any questions that arise and raise your hand to ask them at the end of the presentation. Do not ask questions as if the presenter is being cross-examined. This is not a press conference or a crime investigation. Instead, ask one question at a time and wait for the answer in between.

 

- Enjoy the refreshments on offer in moderation, don't fill your plate and top it up several times.

 

- If you are given a task at the end of the meeting, you should set a realistic deadline and stick strictly to it. The goal of the meeting is results, and each participant shares the responsibility for achieving them.

 

- The organiser of the meeting should send a short email thanking all participants who attended the meeting.