Meetings. They become a very integral part of our ‘grown-up’ lives, so it is very important that we understand a few basic rules to live by when dealing with them.
1. SCHEDULE MEETINGS – Don’t just show up!
People are busy. They have hectic schedules and it is sometimes hard to stop everything they are doing for someone who has just ‘dropped in’. Make sure you take the time to call ahead and schedule an appointment if you need to see someone. They will be glad you took the time to schedule so that you are not going to be an inconvenience for them later. Remember – Courtesy is key when you are arranging for others to help you.
2. BE ON TIME!
When a person has you scheduled, they expect you to be on time. Make sure you know the location of your meeting and plan extra time to get there. If you are running late, you need to make sure you call and inform the person you are meeting with so they can have an exact time of when to expect you or they can let you know if they need to reschedule.
If you are unsure of where you are headed for your meeting, take a test drive the day before! It is better to know for sure how long you can anticipate travel time.
3. CANCELLING?
Things happen, we are aware…but if you have to cancel a meeting, you need to do so at the earliest opportunity possible. This way, the person you are meeting with can reschedule and they can make plans for the gap in the time they had originally planned on meeting with you. A week or two in advance is much better than a 24 hour warning.
Professionals have calendars filled with appointments, meeting, projects and assignments, so make sure you are as courteous and as open as possible when scheduling a time to meet with them. You never know, taking the extra time to schedule an appointment and show up on time could land you your next position!
-JT
