Entrepreneur as Meeting Participant

Earlier this month, we discussed how to run a polite meeting as its chairman.  Entrepreneurs tend to want to run their own meetings every time but sometimes, you are a participant.  I participate in many meetings each week.  Most of the time I am invited to those meetings to lead them but oftentimes I am there to participate, help, offer guidance but not lead.  One of my own personal pet peaves is being on time to meetings.  So let’s start there and provide you with a few pointers on being an effective participant of meetings:

1. Arrive on time.  If you’re not 10 minutes early, you’re late.
2. Introduce yourself in a friendly, informal manner.
3. Don’t take a seat until someone who knows why you’re there motions to take a seat.
4. If the meeting is late, feel free to engage in light conversation about a topic not related to the meeting.
5. Come prepared for the meeting.  My Partner at Bellevue Technology Partners, is very, very good at this, bringing a profile of every individual to every meeting, printed from LinkedIN.
6. If need be, rehearse your own remarks that you’ve prepared for the meeting.
7. Don’t use any tape recording devices without permission from the chairman.
8. Make careful notes.  Even if you have a photographic memory, taking notes makes you look interested and serious about the discussion.
9. Sit up straight, again looking like you are serious about the meeting.
10. Avoid interrupting the person speaking.  Entrepreneurs have a hard time with this so check your ego at the door.
11. Ask for clarification, no matter how simple it seems.
12. Be relaxed about showing positive emotions but also be careful to control any display of negative emotions.
13. Try using the word “we” instead of “I” when referring to your company.
14. Think before you speak.
15. Use a glass for canned or bottled drinks, particularly if they are provided for you.
16. Thank the chairman and other attendees for the meeting.
17. As soon as possible, make notes of all follow-up items you have, and for gosh sakes, follow up!

These may seem like simple reminders but remember, we’re not just entrepreneurs, we’re also executives!