Business Meeting Etiquette

Due to the importance of time and punctuality to Americans, arrive on time for meetings. People in the Northeast and Midwest are notoriously on time and consider being late for a meeting or appointment to be disrespectful. Although people can be a little more laid back in the South and West, you should always come on time, even if you have to wait a short while before the meeting starts, just to be safe.

Although meetings could seem casual, they are actually taken quite seriously. An agenda will be followed if there is one. There will be a summary of the decisions made, a list of who will implement certain aspects, and a list of the following actions at the conclusion of the meeting. Following the meeting, there will be a summary of the decisions made, a list of who will carry out certain aspects, and a list of the subsequent stages and their respective assignees.

If you give a presentation, it needs to be concise and direct. Visual aids ought to strengthen your argument even further. Use statistics to support your arguments, since Americans are impressed by verifiable information and proof. With a focus on managing time, business is done quickly.

Before getting down to business, expect virtually little small talk. At the initial meeting, it's typical to try and come to an oral agreement. Instead of fostering a connection, the focus is on signing a contract. Once the initial contract has been signed, the relationship may progress.