Make Every Meeting Count

This article was written by Paige Arnof-Fenn of Entrepreneur.com. Paige is the founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a strategic-marketing consulting firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies as well as early stage and emerging businesses.

Abe Lincoln once said, "If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first four sharpening the axe." Whether you agree with his proportion of time spent preparing, it's hard to argue against the idea that doing your homework will serve you well.

How do you prepare for big meetings or presentations? Has that changed over time, or do you have certain routines you always follow? In speaking with many CEOs and business owners, there are a number of steps most agree help you put your best foot forward.

Know your audience. Who are you meeting with or interviewing? Have you done a Google search on them? Do you know who set the agenda if it wasn't you?

It's always best not to be surprised or blindsided at a meeting. The more you know about the people you meet, including their backgrounds, needs and how they define success, the more productive your discussions will be.

Eat, sleep and be merry. Nothing beats a good night's rest and a full stomach when it comes to meeting with someone. A warm smile and friendly conversation go a long way in building rapport and ultimately a solid relationship, which is the foundation for everything that follows.

If you're in a pinch, grab some coffee and an energy bar before you start. It beats hearing your stomach growl and fighting yawns during a meeting.