Business meetings are loved as a way out of mundane work by some. They are dreaded interruptions by others. Regardless of the quality of the topic or the entertainment value in the presentation - for better or worse - you can likely learn something to enhance your career.
Here are five tips to make sure you are a superstar in the meeting:
1. Punctuality is Priority #1.
2. Avoid electronic distraction. Unless you are invited to record or take photos and videos of the discussion - keep your cellphones and other distractions turned off. If you need your PDA function for note taking - silence it. No one wants to hear "Mama Said Knock You Out" when your mom calls to complain about how you don't call enough. It's also not cute to hear the "beep, boop, bong, beeeep" as you type. Cut it out. Put it on silent.
3. Prepare to be productive. If you were given a meeting agenda before hand study it and know your opinion on key points before the meeting begins. Know the news of the day and how it relates to your company, and the meeting topic. If called on, don't be afraid to take a beat to collect your thoughts before speaking your mind. The more prepared you are beforehand, the more you appear unflappable and an asset to the group.
4. No signs of Gum. I don't care if you're on the latest "all gum" diet or not - the presenter should not be aware of your gum in a professional meeting. If they can notice it - it's rude. No smacking, or bubbles, or popping - which is easiest to avoid these subconscious habits by not chewing gum in meetings at all. And whatever you do, do not be the "crinkler." Do not be the attendee that disturbs the neighboring participants by opening candy and gum while the speaker is conducting the meeting. * If you happen to be diabetic - attend to your blood sugar level before the meeting & have something discrete handy in case of an emergency.
5. Pay attention like your career depends on it. Seriously, it might! Take notes and pay enough attention that you could sum up the key points for colleagues that were unable to attend. And really drink in the subjects that can be applied to your job functions.
Your behavior in meetings and conferences could have a serious effect on your career. In both directions! Be on your best behavior, your success may depend on it!
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