How to Master the Art of Face-to-Face Meetings!
Yes, as a Small Business you are going to have to have lots of Face-to-Face meetings!
You might need one to establish yourself to someone new, or meeting someone at a Networking Event. You can transfer the skills to any meeting you have!
You might hide behind your emails or your Skype calls, but Face-to-Face or phone calls are some of the best ways to communicate with potential partners and clients!
I’m going to teach you some quick tricks on how to master the art of the Face-to-Face meeting, guaranteeing you future clients, future partners and a great reputation!
YOU’VE ONLY GOT A FEW SECONDS
Contrary to what you keep telling yourself, you’ve only got a few seconds before that person you’re meeting has made up their mind about you – make them count!
FIND THE ARRIVAL SWEET SPOT
Arriving 5-10 minutes before your meeting, and you won’t come across as too eager if you’re too early, or a bad time keeper if you’re late!
BE NICE, OBVIOUSLY
Wherever you’re going, whether it’s to the client’s office or a customer’s favourite coffee shop, you’ve got to be nice, obviously. It’s just manners, and being rude is going to stick with them!
BE PREPARED, BE VERY PREPARED
You wouldn’t go into a Marathon without doing the training beforehand, so why would you go into a meeting without being prepared? Check out the history of the person you’re meeting, it will help!
LOOK THE PART, FEEL THE PART
Tying back into the first point I made, you need to look smart when you meet someone for the first time. Even do a little bit of research to see the person your meeting’s sense of style,
DON’T SQUEEZE TOO MUCH
When you’re shaking someone’s hand! If you can see the whites of their knuckles or their wide eyes, loosen that grip! Equally, don’t just flop your hand out, it’s not a good thing!
BACK STRAIGHT, SHOULDERS BACK
Another first impressions comment, but standing straight makes you look more confident. If you’re huddled over, you’ll give the impression that you’re not happy being there.
LOOK THEM RIGHT IN THE EYE
Don’t stare them down in an intimidating way, but a happy medium would be to maintain eye contact for about 60-70% of the time.
SMILE AND WAVE EVERYONE
Well maybe just smile and nod instead of waving (you’ll look very weird otherwise!). You need to make sure you emotionally react to what the other person is saying.
IT’S NOT ALL BUSINESS
Don’t forget, the person you’re speaking to is human too! Ask them how their weekend was, what they’ve been up to this week. Get to know them!
There are so many other ways to master Face-to-Face meetings, but those points are a good start!
Have you got any secret tips you use to impress clients at Face-to-Face meetings? Let us know in the comments!
