Meeting Etiquette

As business owners we all have our days full of many things. We work, we have family obligations, and we try to grow our businesses. The last is done through going to meetings, networking, sending out emails, and much more. When we finally fall into bed at night, we’re tired and weary. There is just too much to do in a day’s time.

One of the things I’ve noticed lately, however, is that people will plan on going to meetings – they will rsvp or at least tell the organizers of the meetings that they plan on being there, and then at the last minute, they are a no-show. To them, it may not make a big difference, except that in their very busy day they either overbooked, or were just too tired to make it to the event. However, it’s an entirely different story for the organizers of the event.

Put yourself in their shoes. There is generally a price to pay for the room to hold the meeting, as well as food and drink purchased for a certain number of people based on the prior information given. The others there count on the presence of each and every person to make the meeting a true success for without people there can be no networking.

It is simply a matter of fairness that if you acknowledge acceptance of an invitation you follow through. There may be a situation arise where you cannot go forward with your plans but a simple phone call saying you’re sorry should not be that difficult. It is a sign of the times that we simply don’t think of the other side of an equation, when in fact that is the most important side.

Please, think about the overall picture when you plan on going to events or meetings. It will only serve you better in the long run.