[getPhone]
Face to face meetings seem foreign to us these days – they are almost unnecessary since the invention of the telephone and the Internet. However, there are plenty of people that still prefer them to other forms of interaction, and some important clients are patient enough and well-mannered enough to want to meet face to face for lunch. But have you still got the skills to make sure any meeting is successful, or have you gotten rusty? Here are a couple of tips to help guide you back to successful meetings.
Thoughtfully Disagree with the Customer
When you don’t agree with something a potential client says, don’t start an argument. The last words that should ever come out of your mouth are “I don’t agree with that,” unless you’re trying to make the other party angry. Instead of choosing the argumentative route choose the higher route instead. Even if they’re being forceful about something you know is wrong, ask them why they hold the opinion they have. Listen carefully, and figure out how they got that point of view. Then discuss.
Leave Politics at Home
It’s election season, which means everyone’s suddenly got an opinion about what’s going on in the political world. Everyone’s entitled to their opinions and there’s nothing wrong with having one. However, keep it out of your business meetings! Even if someone agrees with your political stance, talking about politics can sidetrack an otherwise productive and important conversation.
