Many assume that proper etiquette is all about sending thank-you notes, using the right fork at mealtime and dressing appropriately. However, where the professional world is concerned, a person’s behavior and planning processes speak to their professionalism, and the smallest misstep can damage one’s career. Below are several business meeting etiquette rules to know and abide by.

Use Full Names During Pre-Meeting Introductions

Many people have difficulty associating names with faces, especially in the conference- and convention-filled business world where introductions are a daily occurrence. During business meetings, it’s important to use full names when making introductions. When clients know a person’s last name, it’s easier for them to make connections on LinkedIn and other professional-oriented social media sites.

Don’t Fidget

It’s natural to become a bit uncomfortable when sitting through a long meeting. However, crossing and uncrossing one’s legs can be distracting. Rather than fidgeting and shifting in a seat, meeting attendees should find a comfortable position and stick with it as long as possible.

Refrain From Eating or Chewing Gum

Every office worker has dealt with the smell of someone else’s food, which can make it hard to concentrate during a long meeting. Unless a business meeting is to be held over the course of a meal, attendees should avoid eating during that time.

Keep Questions Short and to the Point

Business meetings are the perfect time to bring up concerns and questions, and when the right people are there, good answers are more likely. However, if one’s inquiries have made the meeting run late, they’re wasting everyone’s time. Try to save important questions for the meeting and, if necessary, follow up with a post-meeting email.

At Dinner Meetings, the One Who Invites, Pays

No one likes the awkward process of splitting a dinner check, especially when answers come simply. If one invites colleagues or clients to a meeting, they pay for the meal. Regardless of whether it’s a coffee meeting or a full business dinner, the one who does the inviting pays the tab.

Use Email and Chat Functions Wisely

As risky as the function can be, it’s a useful way to relay important information before or after a meeting. For instance, let’s say that a colleague sends a group email asking for pre-meeting details. If one responds to only the original sender, everyone else is left unaware. Conversely, having one’s email inbox filled with useless, irrelevant group emails can be quite annoying. If details are sensitive or specific, be sure to remove those who don’t need such information. You should also follow certain rules on the telephone to ensure professional communication.

Keep Thank-Yous to a Minimum

While showing one’s appreciation is acceptable, excessive gratitude can seem insincere. At the close of a business meeting, one sincere, confident “thanks”, along with a firm handshake, is sufficient.

In Closing

In the business world, politeness and professionalism are about more than dotting I’s and crossing T’s. Proper business meeting etiquette, along with solid planning, can help make meetings more successful. If professionals follow these rules, they will find it easier to get ahead in their careers.