Make Every Meeting Count

Practice makes (almost) perfect. Rehearsals aren't just for plays. Whether you think of a meeting as a performance or not, it's your job to both inform and entertain so your audience remembers your key points. Nobody's perfect, but you should be comfortable enough with your material that it flows naturally and you're not relying on notes during the meeting. Being able to have a direct conversation while making eye contact is your goal here, not reading from a script.

Follow up and follow through. If you tell the people you meet you'll get back to them on a particular issue, make sure you actually do it. Keeping promises goes a long way and reinforces the quality image and brand you want to project. Personally, I find if I write things down, they get done. Find a system that works for you to make sure you always close the loop in the end.

These steps may seem simple, but you'd be amazed how many people don't invest the time to get into the heads and hearts of their target audience or leave a lasting impression as a consummate professional. You should never let a meeting go to waste -- especially when it can be a challenge to set one up in the first place.

So take the time you need to be prepared, because even meetings you don't initially think are important may end up putting you in front of people who can help you in the future. Though they might not hire you or buy your product this time, if you make a great impression they will remember you. So keep sharpening that axe; you never know when you'll need it.