Business meetings are back. As we continue to crawl out of the Covid crisis, increasingly people are looking to meet in person once again. Whether you are just starting out, or even if you’ve been in business for years, after the long pause it can feel quite daunting to get back into business meeting mode.
Maybe it is time for a refresher!
Here are our top tips for getting ready for a business meeting, ranging from getting a great haircut and preparing detailed notes to choose a stylish outfit and getting enough sleep. Check it out!
Look the part
What industry are you in and what are the norms for the way people present themselves? You can, of course, be your unique self and if you are mega-confident that may even make you stand out and be memorable in a good way. But if you work in a conservative profession, like the legal industry for example, then think very carefully before upsetting expectations. People dress conservatively in these professions to reinforce a sense of trust and authority.
Similarly, if you are in the creative industries you probably want to look artistic and if you are in management or administration you may want to look organised.
Think about your brand values and customer expectations and look to reflect those is the way you present yourself.
Focus on grooming
Simple grooming can elevate any outfit. Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed, shoes polished and nails clean. Makeup is a personal preference, but whatever approach you take make sure that it stays in place and you don’t turn up with panda eyes or lipstick-stained teeth! For a minimalistic makeup look, try natural lash extensions at home. Achieve stunning, long lashes in minutes for a confident and polished appearance during meetings or any occasion.
A great haircut will always make you feel your best. It’s easy to get stuck in the past with a hairdo that suited you 10 years ago, but if you want to be seen as relevant, try to find a hairstyle that is both flattering and up-to-date, or at least timeless. And if you need a quick fringe trim, or tidy-up between appointments, make sure that you have a pair of joewell hairdressing scissors to hand.
Do your research
Be prepared in advance of the meeting. If there is something that you do not know about the topic that you will be discussing, read up on it and do your best to understand it. This way, people will see that you are dedicated and willing to go the extra mile in order to get things done properly.
The self-development professionals at https://wealthygorilla.com say that if there is a thing that will impress your colleagues and make you look like an organized and productive person, it is making detailed notes in preparation for an important business meeting. It is never a bad idea to keep track of relevant facts and figures!
Arrive Early
One of the worst mistakes that you can make is to be late for an important meeting. Firstly, it will make you look disorganized. Secondly, it will look like you lack respect for other people’s time. Ideally, you should plan your route out ahead of time and get to the meeting place early.
Be Confident
If you seem confident about the subject that you are talking about, people will almost always treat what you say with more respect. While a confident demeanor massively can, to some extent, compensate for any gaps in your knowledge, it’s obviously even better if you are well-informed and confident!
Eat a Nutritious Meal
The food you eat significantly affects your mood and stress levels. If your pre-meeting breakfast comprises of strong coffee and sugary cereal or buns, then your cortisol and blood glucose levels will be peaked, leaving you feeling hyped and perhaps jittery initially and then tired after a short time.
Similarly, you cannot expect to feel great and be productive if you miss a meal before the meeting. Instead of skipping breakfast and grabbing junk food on the way to the meeting place, do your best to eat a nice, nutritious meal, this is big on plants and fibre, that will boost your energy and improve your mood!
Get Enough Sleep
Do you want your brain to be in top shape during the meeting? If so, try getting enough sleep the night before it takes place. It would be best if you sleep for seven hours at least. That way, you will be able to concentrate on the task at hand and look fresh and full of energy.
Smile
Last but not least, relax and smile. A genuine smile will instantly put everyone at their ease and make them warm to you and to what you are saying. If you are well prepared, on time, looking great, and feeling confident then your smile will come easy and altogether the meeting is much more likely to be successful, giving you even more to smile about.
In Conclusion
These are some of the things that you can do to prepare for your next business meeting. Great preparation will soon become a habit and you’ll find getting ready for a business meeting much more productive and hopefully even enjoyable. These steps are not that difficult, but they can definitely help you to achieve your goals and make a world of difference.