How you portray yourself in a business meeting is very important. Business meeting etiquette means being professional but engaged, being calm but unafraid to ask questions and bring your own ideas to the table. Keep in mind that business meeting etiquette will vary from company to company; a business meeting for a start up will most likely be completely different from a meeting on Wall Street. That said, there are always five business meeting etiquette tips you should keep in mind:
1. Prior to the business meeting, an agenda should be sent out to all meeting participants. This allows for everyone be aware of the topics discussed and have any materials prepared beforehand.
2. Slightly raise your hand to speak. Wait to be recognized before talking and do not interrupt others.
3. It is unacceptable during a meeting to have your cellphone ringer on. Do not leave the phone on the table and don’t play with it as you will appear uninterested and rude.
4. Be calm during the meeting – no fidgeting, side conversations, snacking, etc. Express interest by remaining focused, even when you aren’t speaking.
5. For proper etiquette, follow up on all tasks post-meeting. If there are calls to make, paperwork to be done make sure it is completed after the meeting in a timely manner.
