Business meeting etiquette
- Arriving on time means a few minutes early
- No more than five or ten minutes so the receptionist or host doesn’t have to worry about you waiting
- Do not arrive at the last minute, use your time while waiting to center yourself and focus
- Plan extra time if you haven’t been to the location before in case you have trouble finding it or have issues parking. You can always drive around the block a few times or sit in your car if you arrive too early.
- Dress appropriately, preferably in your Girl Scout uniform with a white shirt and khaki bottom.
- Don’t’ wear jewelry that may make noise.
- Wear close-toed shoes, no sandals.
- Have any papers in a folder, have a small notepad and pen for comments you may want to jot down.
- You can have your notes in your folder in case you are nervous.
- They should be big picture bullets just to make sure you hit the main points.
- Try not to use them, but know they are there for reference.
- You can have your notes in your folder in case you are nervous.
- Leave your phone and purse or bag in the car.
- Introductions
- Shake the hand of those you are introduced to. Look them in the eyes, smile, and say ‘nice to meet you Mr. Smith’ – repeating their name will help you remember it.
- Usually, you will not use first names as a sign of respect – remember you are meeting with them to ask them for something.
- Use a real handshake, it shows your confidence. Don’t grip too hard though, this isn’t hand wrestling.
- If they share business cards, keep them on the table in front of you in case you need to reference someone’s name. Make sure to take them with you when you leave.
- During the meeting
- You should stand while presenting unless you are only meeting with 1 or 2 people and then take the lead on whether to stand or sit from them. If they don’t offer a chair, stand.
- If you are offered a chair, make sure to sit up straight and lean slightly forward.
- Don’t use the back of the chair, it leads to slouching.
- Be aware of your body language.
- Don’t cross your arms, watch your nervous ticks (think about what you are doing with your hands and feet – no tapping for example)
- Make sure to listen to the full question before starting to form your answer.
- People tend to hear the beginning of a question and start forming the answer and not listen to the whole question and then do not answer the whole question.
- Don’t worry about taking a moment before answering the question. It shows you are truly considering your answer and not just answering off the cuff.
- Waiting to form your answer until after the question is asked and taking a moment before answering the question allows them to clarify they are done with their question. You don’t want to start answering while they are still asking.
- You should stand while presenting unless you are only meeting with 1 or 2 people and then take the lead on whether to stand or sit from them. If they don’t offer a chair, stand.
- Make sure to thank everyone and shake hands before leaving.