Business Meetings: A Necessary in Business by Jonah Engler

Despite all the advancements in technology and calling applications, the in person meeting still reigns supreme. It is crucial to embrace meetings – and to know how to perform and handle these situations. We have collected our favorite quotes on Business Meetings and meetings in general, to help generate inspiration and motivation for your next meeting. We have asked New York City based entrepreneur, Jonah Engler, to curate some of his favorite quotes on business meetings – to help inspire and relay the importance meetings play in the workplace.

•“Every meeting has different specifications. The first thing you need to do is a little research and understand your objectives.” Mike Michel

•“Forget about phone calls and video conferences, there’s no substitute in business for a good old-fashioned face-to-face meeting.” Randy Southerland

•“The real work of teams is done in meetings. If you’re developing a new marketing plan, for example, you can do that through an email exchange, a series of one-on-one sessions, or a team meeting.” Kristine Kern

•“A meeting can be a good way to disseminate information to several people, perhaps from different businesses, at the same time. A meeting allows for eye contact, body language, and opportunities to ask questions so as to clarify the information.” Sue Fox

•“There’s nothing more exhilarating that pumping up each other and recognizing what’s been accomplished. Too often one day flows into the next, we never take enough time to glorify and praise or even realize how much we’ve accomplished.” Douglas Wick

•“When a meeting becomes a “happening” there is value created. Looking at pieces of the puzzle separately can cause some to misinterpret the real power that happens when people gather together. Throughout history man has collected in groups to share the best ideas, learn, grow, entertain, have fun, and get inspired for the future.” Thom Singer

•“If you’re holding a meeting to canvas the opinions of your staff–but you know there’s a strong chance you’ll disregard those opinions–let them know early on. The deception of democracy bothers them more than the transparent absence of it.” Ilan Mochari

•“If you want to be respected by your colleagues, managers, peers and subordinates always be clear about the purpose of a meeting. This will also focus the conversation and avoid wasting your time while showing respect for others.” Mark Rabkin

•“The main purpose for you to have regular business meetings, either with partners, Boards of Directors, or an accountability partner, is to review reports and understand how the business is doing. If data is being collected but not reviewed, then the business owner does not have a complete understanding of the direction of the business.” Hugh Stewart

•“When you’re calling a meeting, take time to think about who really needs to be there. If you’re announcing a change, invite the people who are affected by the announcement.” Neal Hartman

•“Meetings are crucial collaborative tools that keep a team on task and goal-focused. While the content of the meeting is key, paying attention to the day of the week and the start time of the meeting may increase its usefulness.” Carla Turchetti

•“One problem commonly afflicting meetings is unclear objectives. If you’re not exactly sure what you’re trying to accomplish, you can be sure it won’t happen quickly. As meeting organizer, it’s your responsibility to have clarity about objectives.” Victor Lipman

•“A business meeting should have a start and end – and not drone on and on.” Jonah Engler

•“For productive meetings, the end is just as important as the beginning. Don’t let people get away with silent disagreement; if the leader is unclear about someone’s commitment, ask!” Kristine Kern

•“A critical component of meeting preparation is location. Pick a place where you can relax, focus, and engage.” Michael Nichols

•“I believe meetings exist for many of reasons, but too often even the organizers cannot tell you the clear purpose. Working to appeal to a variety of people can leave an event too vanilla to become spectacular to anyone. If you cannot clearly articulate the reason to host the meeting, why can you expect attendees to understand the purpose? Knowing the answer to “why” will make the event better for everyone!” Thom Singer

•“Meetings fall apart thanks to sloppy agendas, un-articulated ground rules, and other structural mistakes.” Drake Baer

•“Carefully planned and orchestrated meetings can create a culture for success and teach your team the skills they need to excel in their positions.” Sherri McMillan

•“Know why you’re holding the meeting and what you hope to accomplish. A clear purpose is essential for a successful meeting.” Sue Fox

•“Healthy teams use meetings to discuss important decisions. They engage in some heated back-and-forth. The plan often changes because of the team’s input. And consensus is neither assumed nor achieved with any regularity. In the end, though, everyone feels like they’ve said their bit, and they’re able to back up the decision because of this.” Kristine Kern

•“Meetings are an important part of any business, but they are not always the best use of everybody’s time and effort. I have never worked out of a traditional office, and always try to find ways to freshen meetings up.” Richard Branson

•“No decision should ever wait for a meeting. If a meeting absolutely has to happen before a decision should be made, then the meeting should be scheduled immediately.” Larry Page

•“The benefits of embracing a professional meeting style are that you will accomplish more of your business goals more efficiently; you will be respected by your colleagues and viewed as a leader. Even better then all of that you will spend less time in meetings and more time in substantial conversations with your colleagues.” Mark Rabkin

•“Meetings truly can be valuable and productive. You just have to take the steps to make them that way.” Neal Hartman