Comments on: Warming Up Meetings and Interviews: Five Tips to Disarm with Charm

By: World Cup News

World Cup News — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 03:41:31 +0000

Thanks for sharing, I stumbled upon this particular article whilst searching for infomation for my term report, interesting comments and excellent points produced.

By: Heidi Richards Mooney

Heidi Richards Mooney — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:22:55 +0000

Such great advice! I enjoy reading the comments almost as much as the actual article.

Thank you keith for distilling wisdom on a simple level that anyone can understand and yet only the most savvy will actually take advantage of. Which of course are your readers!

Sincerely,

Heidi Richards Mooney, Author
Quirky Marketing Calendar: 365 Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany & Non-traditional Holidays

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:34:43 +0000

Such great suggestions Sital. We succeed when we help others succeed!

By: Ricardo Bueno

Ricardo Bueno — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:39:56 +0000

For me, a good combination of 2 and 5 goes a long way. Being humorous (to break the ice) and yet very informative (to showcase your expertise).

By: Bille Baty

Bille Baty — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:28:07 +0000

Great tips Keith, again.

I would add one thing. If you can learn a few things about your new contact before the meeting, it makes an impression when you offer them their favorite drink or a piece of chocolate if they're a chocoholic. A boutique agency impressed Warren Buffet and got a new account by knowing he loves Cherry Coke and having plenty on hand when he came to call.

By: Maureen Peltier

Maureen Peltier — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:41:43 +0000

On top of all that, before I got to a party or a meeting, I decide that I'm going to have a great time. I CREATE that experience before I enter, and, I always have a good time.

Secondly, I add, on top of Keith's good tips, be PRESENT, in the moment, with everyone you meet.

By: Karman Cates

Karman Cates — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:34:34 +0000

Regarding number 3, it's not illegal to ask, it's illegal to discriminate in hiring or other personnel decisions based on the your knowledge of race, religion, et.al.

And, I love British humor and I'm an American.

By: Emilio Calvillo

Emilio Calvillo — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:59:42 +0000

I feel that a cup of coffee it is a good start since it make us get sharper in our thoughts, so it is a good idea to have a coffee maker nearby. I go also for a nice sounding laugh to release that tense energy that most meetings seem to bring with. so when approaching to the room take a few seconds to think about a funny story you have witnessed like the day when my mother unintentionally fartted during the prayer of thanks giving dinner. It was hillarious and that will bring a broad smile while entering the room. Have fun people!!!

By: Virginia

Virginia — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:34:03 +0000

Sharing humor can be tricky, but it’s a great one. I personally love to work with people that make me laugh and I feel comfortable around. Don’t be too uptight, let loose and have fun with it (business deal, interview etc).

By: David Olsen

David Olsen — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:54:09 +0000

Keith,

Thank you for your insight on this. I had a very important meeting recently (this morning) and the circumstances were a bit different from business as usual.

I contacted a local CEO who operates one of the largest business' in his trade in the nation and he agreed to meet with me even though he had no idea who I was. He was a member of the same fraternity in college, although a few decades apart in age, and I was a little worried that I wouldn't have anything to talk about. Kieth, your advice on this topic was very helpful...be generous.

Specifically (Because advice is sometimes difficult to visualize) I paid compliments to the mans stellar career, talked about mutual hobbies and interests, talked about current events, and PAID for the meal...this was a breakfast meeting.

Doing your homework is paramount in an important meeting (this particular meeting was important to me because I genuinely respected and wanted to meet the individual, basic networking) in this case I was able to reference specific job sites that he was working on and offer insight into some events that led to the job, talk state and local politics (big discussion here), and economics of the industry. I wouldn't have known he was working on the WTC if I wouldn't have done some homework.

Listen to Keith!

-Be Generous (pay the bill, pay honest compliments, and give information freely!)
-Do your Homework - study the company and the individual(s) with whom you are meeting.
-Know your industry, and current events!
-Share hobbies and Passions - Golf, Tack and Field, college football...Volunteer organizations...
-Share Humor - Be careful here...if there is an age or demographic gap your humor may not be funny. If you have some good clean jokes that are acceptable to all audiences then share away...but at first meetings you may not be able to gauge the sense of humor of your audience.

Thanks again Keith...