会展之窗　The Window of the Convention & Exhibition

Steps on Preparing for a Business Meeting

A well run meeting can be used to effectively train employees, close an important sale, set business goals and keep major projects on the right track. A successful meeting starts well before everyone is gathered in a conference room. The person running the meeting needs to make arrangements, gather materials, send out invitations and coordinate the activities.Participants need to be prepared to handle any required tasks, provide feedback, make presentations or brainstorm ideas. Doing the groundwork ahead of time will keep the meeting running smoothly and help you meet your goals.

Step 1

Determine if you are running the meeting or expected to participate in any fashion. If you are in charge of arrangements, be ready to coordinate scheduling, materials and the pacing of the meeting.

Step 2

Set a goal for the meeting. Decide if you are trying to make a sale, bring an investor on board, train employees about company policies or brainstorm new product ideas.

Step 3

Set an agenda for the meeting. Give participants a heads up if the meeting is expected to be particularly long. Allow time for bathroom or refreshment breaks. Prepare a schedule if there will be multiple speakers or presenters.

Step 4

Make arrangements for a meeting room, conference call or online meeting. Book a time that works for all key participants. Call or email the group to make sure that the chosen time works for everyone.

Step 5

Send out time and location details to all participants. If you are dealing with employees, let them know if attendance is mandatory or optional. Email conference call-in numbers and codes if you are arranging a phone meeting.

Step 6

Prepare for any needed equipment. For example, if you are going to have a computer presentation, be sure that the conference room has a screen and projector. Know how to hook your laptop up to the projector so that you don’t have to waste valuable meeting time dealing with technical details.

Step 7

Take your presentation for a test drive before you do it in front of clients. Make sure your sales or investment pitch is professional, concise and interesting. Endless charts projected on a screen don’t make for compelling meetings. Understand your audience, how you can meet their needs and what goals you want to reach.

Step 8

Gather materials. Print off handouts. Make sure there are enough chairs for everyone.Prepare refreshments or make catering arrangements if necessary.

Step 9

Remind participants 24 hours ahead, or on the morning of, the actual meeting. Aim to start the meeting promptly at the given time.

Article Source：

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/prepare-business-meeting-454.html