You’ve got a meeting to hold, and successfully run. You need to maintain your professional edge, and let everyone seated know that you know exactly what you’re doing… Even just thinking about pulling this off is exhausting!
You’re an entrepreneur, and a new business owner, and you’ve got a team of staff to prove yourself to. You need them to understand that you’re the boss, and that you’ve got an air of authority. And yet, you’ve still got to be approachable – it’s hard to pull off when you have no clue how.
You might even have an investor or two in the room at one point, to get your great investment opportunity across to; you’re definitely going to need a board room that helps to make the impression for you. So with that in mind, here’s a few things to remember when you’re trying to set up the perfect meeting room.
Offer a Professional Presentation
Professionalism is often everything in the working world. If you look like you can do the job, then people are going to believe you can do the job! It’s all about the way you dress, the way you speak, and the way you hold yourself. Confidence is key, and this needs to translate into any presentations you give.
Make sure you’ve got the right design on any powerpoint or slideshow you’ve decided to give. Make sure you’ve got some speakers notes handy when you need the charisma to flow through you. Even get someone else to prepare these items for you, especially if they know what they’re doing and you don’t!
Have the Right Seating Arrangement
People need to be sat in comfortable chairs, and seated at a table that’s big enough and looks as though many professionals have been through these parts before. It’s no good having a coffee table and some sofas for everyone to crowd around on (unless that’s part of your company culture and aesthetic…). You need something that proves how serious you are.
And yes, furniture can help get that point across. Even invest in some custom conference tables, if you’re looking for the perfect fit for your new board room in your new office. Sometimes pre-made tables are either too small or too big, and there’s no point wasting your money and trying to make do.
Don’t Forget the Refreshments
Boarding rooms can be hot and stuffy places, and everyone wearing a full suit and tie is going to start sweating at some point. Especially if the meeting has gone on for more than a couple of hours now! So make sure the people you’re talking to know that you’ve got responsibility in the bag, and that you’re always on the ball when it comes to their needs.
Always have some water on hand, and even arrange catering if the meeting takes place over lunch. It’ll help them to understand you’ll be just as careful with their time, attention, and money.
Are you ready to make the right impression?
