Top Three Mistakes A Company Can Make
Business Meeting
I was having a discussion with a business owner the other day and they were in the midst of getting quotes from various businesses on what could turn into continuous work.
They mentioned a story of one of the quotes and felt the need to share it with everyone because I have been seeing this more and more which shouldn’t be especially when we are in an economic recession.
Arrive Late – No Call
This is a two party mistake. I was in the military and their favorite quote was that if you’re on time – you’re late. I make it an effort to arrive work at LEAST 15 minutes early but the average has been 30 minutes.
If you are going to a meeting and not sure of the location – check a map system and get directions. Call a day ahead to make sure where they are located and what major roads they might be off of. This can be done usual by the gate keeper (which helps you when you arrive and can make quick chit chat).
There is nothing worse then being late to a meeting and not calling only to find out that the other party got tired of waiting and is in a new meeting (possible a competitor) or gone.
No Paperwork
So, you get there late without calling and low and behold you don’t have all your paperwork. That’s strike two!
There is no such thing as being over-prepared. If you need contracts – print off 5 blank ones just in case. If you know you’re meeting with one person for the company then have two or three sets of proposals just in case more people join in. This way everyone in there can look over the paperwork.
Pushing The Schedule To Reschedule
Okay, you’re late – forgot your papers and now when they are trying to set up a new time slot for you, you try to push it to another time. Strike three – YOUR OUT!
You need to start eating some humble pie when your late (or miss) a meeting and are at THEIR mercy for a reschedule. To say, “no, that time won’t work for me how about later that day,” shows that you don’t really want to get your bid in. An alternative is to let them know what days you’re available, “If you don’t mind meeting up on Thursday or anytime next week – or maybe before / after hours depending on when you need to turn in the proposals.”
See the difference there? The second shows your available times along with trying to work with them and willing to do anything to meet up with them.
What do you think?
