Hi Shari Weiss,
This is really very good and informative article. This can be very helpful for productive business meetings. Thanks for the information.

You can also research a bit about the meet up so you’ll be able to talk about it and prepare some questions, that way you can get an attention or so.
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Great advice Shari … even though I’ve been in sales all my life I confess I’ve always hated this kind of gathering because I am a true introvert. I share that because I want to let other readers know who may have similar reservations, that you CAN take the pain out of these events and do just as well as the extroverts. The thing to do is focus on individuals and small groups, and make sure you set aside some time after the event to recharge …
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Thanks for this informative post. It may also help to google some of the names of the people you know might be attending and what are their line of business. The most important thing about such meet ups is the follow up part, you must not wait for the other person to contact you first.
Pam Sheraton recently posted..How To Become A Self Employed Plasterer

Hi Shari

Yes this is a good way to meet up coming
business partners m you can build good
relationships anf\d you never know what will
come out of it.

Regards
Theuns
Theuns recently posted..Why you need to smile: The Hidden law in the law off attraction

This is short but definitely sweet. Interestingly, I have been attending meetups for approximately three years and it has not once occurred to me to look up meeting attendees before my research to make better use of my time. Thanks for sharing this brilliant idea.
Rachel Lavern@Live for Success recently posted..Your Amazing Brain

A very good and useful information is given here in above blog. It will definitely be useful while we go for a business meetup.Thanks.

Hi Shari,
I’m having an event soon, so your post is a great reminder for me. I really like your idea to research social media prior to the event if you know some of the attendees. I also really liked the reminder that it’s not how many business cards you give out; but how many useful ones you collect. And I have a plan to put this into practice at my upcoming event.
Thank you for sharing!
Linda

It was recently suggested to me that I look into meetups. But what are they and how do you find them? Are some better than others? Who sponsors them? Frankly, I don’t know much about them. I just did a quick search and see that there is a major site dedicated to at least one of my questions – http://www.meetup.com/
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Hi Shari,
I am a great fan of Meetup groups. It is one of the best secrets out there that people don’t talk about. This is why I like this post. Most people are so stuck online, they forget that there is an off line way to market too.
I’ve attended some and I have to say that your point where it is better to receive good business cards, than give out your own. I’ve made some very good contacts that way because I made the calls and didn’t leave it up to another to call me.
Awesome Post.
Blessings,
Donna Merrill

Thank you for really good tips. I agree that recognizing people can play a very important role in creating partnership. When you recognize people you’ve never met before they might feel you serious attitude and preparation for making business.

Hi Shari Weiss,
It is a very nice and helpful post on business meetings.
Thanks for sharing 8 ways to maximize business at a meetup. This post is very helpful especially for those who are new in this field.
Pete Goumas recently posted..TRX Fitness Anywhere

Great and informative post..It is useful and helpful for the business meeting..Good job..Thanks for the info..
Samantha recently posted..glass tableware

This is so informative post that is a great help for future business meetings.
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Good tips! I never would have thought of the Flickr idea.

i am happy that someone is doing nice work i really like your post
Online tech support provider
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Its my first time to hear about meetups. And I think the group is a nice place to be with. Since you have the chance to meet real people and real business partner.
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Before, I always got problems and issues with regards on how to meet up with my colleagues especially if some of them are out of town or in a vacation,but it seems that my problems have a solution already. Anyway, going back to the topic you are discussing here in your post, with no hesitations I do agree with your idea and concept with regards on how to meet up businesses issues with the help of this social networking sites. Honestly, they have been a great help for all of us especially in the field of communications and also, that one thing simply prove that our technologies are getting higher and innovative as time passes by. how much more in the near future? To the author of this post, thank you for sharing the idea, I admit, I learned new things from you.

I have done that – and tonight I am going a step further! I am interviewing Mel Kotlyar of MeetupZoo.com who will share his experiences of monetizing groups he has created thru MeetUp.com I will in fact start exploring existing groups and hope to create something appropriate in my area in early 2012.
Richard Goutal recently posted..Collaborative Marketing Help | Tip of the Iceberg

Those are all good points. Thanks for the reminders. I will keep them in mind next time I attend a meetup. It’s a good way to make local connections.
Melodie Kantner@Network Marketing Success recently posted..Why I Will NEVER Buy Anymore Network Marketing Leads

Shari,
this is needed information that I have never herd of as a meetup?

This is a standard in Boston. We have these meeting with different groups. I just never needed to attend one. I usually will met people on a daily bases by just traveling downtown and in our local areas.

It doesn’t hurt being withing our churches with all the weekly groups and gatherings.

This is something I will complete my due diligence in creating one that will help more people just looking for having a side business.

Shari, your a true visionary in our industry and one I will be following. Thank you for sharing and caring. Looking forward to your next amazing post.
William Earl Amis, Jr. III recently posted..Leverage Back By Demand!

Maximizing business at a right time and place is very important. It is not very easy at the same time. Your ways to maximize business at a meetup are very essential.
Robert recently posted..Forex

Well I do realise that these types of meet ups are important from a business point of view but sometimes what comes out from these meetings are lots of networking on the spot, but little follow up. Also sometimes people are not really interested in what you do per se, they talk only because they have to, you know what I mean? say Hi hello and then drop off the surface of earth.
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Very nice and useful tips. And the most important in my opinion is to stay calm and show your qualities. Be self-confident.
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Yes. I agree with all of your points .Especially ”
Check Flickr.com for photos of attendees, so you can recognize them when you see them.”

and
“After the event, send brief notes to people whom you want to build a relationship”

will helps for the pre and post preparation meetup
Mathan Kumar recently posted..Warehouses in Bangalore

“It’s not about how many business cards you hand out, but how many useful ones you collect.” – so true…Thanks for sharing the tips!

Best,
Michael
Michael recently posted..Florida Auto Insurance Quotes

Shari,
Timely information, glad I found it. In the process of creating a Meetup Mastermind group. Never done one before, so jumping in at the deep end!
Thanks,
RICK
Rick Lelchuk recently posted..Loss Aversion: A Solid Business Lesson from an Airplane

Connecting face to face with people you may have been friendly with online can certainly cement a relationship. Socializing will lead to better business relationships and more business down the road.
Charles@Las Vegas Homes for Sale recently posted..Top Five Retirement Communities in the Las Vegas Valley

There are two things you need to set when starting a business like firstof all, Set your target audience and second be conversation and polite with your audience. Although having a short audience but touch with them lifetime is more important rather than targeting un limited audience.
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We all want to avoid this, but, in life, rejection is inevitable. Even uber hot celebrities like Halle Berry and Angelina Jolie get dumped. There’s just no way around it.
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Useful and great sharing of tips..If you had connecting to a lot of people it will build a nice relationship..
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I try and attend all the local business social meetups, breakfasts and coffee mornings that I can. Even though my dating review site isn’t a b2b service I’ve landed lots of web design and SEO jobs through them.

The only downside is, all the buffets and breakfasts add inches to the old waistline
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totally agree with you.. especially about flickr and twitter.. it’s easy to spy someone these days..
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Nice post!Socializing will lead to better business relationships and more business down the road.
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Wow Shari you share some great tips here about meetups. I am going to book mark this site to come back to and thanks for your insight. Often without planning meetups or other live events can be a bit disappointing!
Lynda Cromar recently posted..Being In MLM Business And Taking Action Is Not Convenient But It Is Worth It!

oh i totally agree, socializing/connecting to people will surely helps maximize your business.
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When you implement these principles in your business, you’re going to see an influx of referrals coming your way.. Great source of help for the newbies like me..
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Hi Shari,
Great reminder list to review prior to meetups!
My daughter facilitates what she calls “circles.”
Circles can be on any topic that the group decides.
People join the circle because they want to connect with others on that topic.
I would like to learn more about how her circles are
accomplishing goals. It might be like masterminding and I would like to learn the difference!
All the best, Linda
Linda Thomas recently posted..Focus on Your Goals

Meet ups can be a great place to market yourself. It can even help you meet up with new or potential customers.Here you are at an advantage because you are there yourself and hence convincing someone is easier this way.

These are really helpful tips! It’s great of you to share this post here.. Now this would be like, making sure you’re well equip before entering a fight..
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Hey Shari,

Excellent article on my favorite way to build this business, shoulder to shoulder, the personal touch!

There is no better way to build a relationship then face to face contact, sometimes online we lose sight of this “old school” element as we build our businesses via emails, blogs, and webinars.

You have given us some awesome tips on how to prepare for a business “meetup.” I’m going to use your tip #3 in the near future!

Thanks for sharing Shari,

Kevin
Kevin DeRoo@kevinderoo.com recently posted..Video Marketing – You Oughta Be In Pictures!

Great tips, one thing I would also advocate is connecting via twitter where possible. Rather than a business card as such I just have a small card with my twitter name on that I hand to people I want to stay in touch with. Its a risk if you are in a meetup where peope are not really tech orientated but as thats my field its working for me quite well.
Lassa recently posted..Stop your heartburn

I think maximizing business at the right time is a great strategy. It is not very easy at the same time.
Barbara recently posted..Ways In Which To Stop Panic Attacks

Awesome tips! I sometimes wondered why meeting face to face is so important, but now I know.

It’s about the connection and the rapport! When you have both, it’s easy to conduct business when you can trust the other party!
Eldridge DuFauchard recently posted..Remember the Thoughts You Had Right Before You Got on a Rollercoaster?

To Start a new business, business owner always need a good understanding with the business nature as well as the customers/clients. You cannot run a business long time when you dont know all aspects of it.

Well I hope the 8 ways you have here are very helpful…Thanks for sharing it to us then…
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The activity meetup is great! I could meet potential customers and get many new and useful information, that is wonderful. Also thank you for your tips, and help me a lot to make use of each chance well.
Sophia recently posted..My Way to Forex Trading

I find attitude and enthusiasm is key when it comes to meetups, people always respond well to the right attitude and being enthusiastic about what you are talking about.
Matt Kinsella recently posted..Top 12 Tips To Improve Your Life

Maximizing business is never easy and businessmen already know about it…This is helpful though…
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Hi Shari,

I always find it hard to interact with other people, Thanks for the tip now I can give it a shot..

Cheers,
Len@Monster High Dolls recently posted..Monster High Frankie Stein Doll

Great post and very nice and useful tips. And the most important in my opinion is to stay calm and show your qualities. Thanks for sharing, keep up good work.
Kristen Marie recently posted..Forex

Shari,
I haven’t been to a business meeting in years. I haven’t thought of starting my own meetups either.
Anyway, I find your tips really helpful, especially going to Flickr.

Jaden
Jaden Daniels recently posted..Staying Focus Building Your Online Business

Excellent article on my favorite way to build this business, shoulder to shoulder, the personal touch! Let me know if any of them work especially well for you.
Ina Richard recently posted..Arthritis Tips

I haven’t been into some meet ups and I think the idea is really looks helpful with this we can know how successful the meet up will be since you are making some forecasting before the day of the event.
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I normally go to local WordPress meetups. My big piece of advice is come with questions. How can anyone learn anything. Most of the meetups that are social media, or tech involve learning: lectures, Q&A’s, etc.

The engaging is great, but that is only a part of it.
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I haven’t been into some meet ups and I think the idea is really looks helpful with this we can know how successful the meet up will be since you are making some forecasting before the day of the event. Let me know if any of them work especially well for you. I haven’t been to a business meeting in years.
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I have been in a senior management position for several years before I retired. Your are words of wisdom, you should plan for your meetup in advance. That way you will waste no time target the people you want to meet.
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A life Without goals, aspirations, and dreams can make one feel lost in life. It is statistically proven that people who are actively working to achieve an objective, fulfill a purpose, dream, or goal they have, are generally much more happy!
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These are some great tips about Meetup. On time I did consider using the format to promote an event. I see by your post it is a greater tool than I thought it was.
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Like you said, the key is do some research so you will know who you want to meet and how to go about in promoting yourself or your business.

Excellent article on my favorite way to build this business, shoulder to shoulder, the personal touch! Let me know if any of them work especially well for you.

Regards,
forex

Hi Shari,

Great post! Wow this is a big help to me. I’m not a person type and I’m not good in dealing people. Thanks for the tips.
Norma J. Cardwell recently posted..Chromagen lenses

Great post, good tips! I completely agree with you, preparation is key….do your home work, research basic details about the people you are meeting up with before hand.

Something I really like to do when I am at ecommerce or tech meetups is use my phone to contact people who I want to speak to via twitter and tell them I am there and going to catch up with them at some point. Its a great ice breaker and lets people know you are really interested in talking to them
Poppy recently posted..Internet TV Software

Thanks for the lists! These are really important in expanding and maximizing our business. We have to grab the opportunity in every business dealings and meetings we have.
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Thank you Shari for sharing these tips with us. It truly is a must to maximize business at these face to face meetings. Also, it really is important to plan ahead and be prepared before attending these meetups.
Have your calling cards ready as surely they will have theirs too.

Hi Shari,

This are great tips! Sometimes because of the fact that we can do business online we forget one of the most great techniques in business and it is the Face-to-Face meet ups. Thanks for posting this.
Norma J. Cardwell recently posted..SEO Companies

I don’t have any experience in meeting up especially in business but this may help me later. Well, anyway thanks for the tips ahead.
Danyelle Franciosa @ Bifold Doors Brisbane recently posted..Bifold Doors

Meet up groups offer so much variety for endless interests that people have. They have meet ups for entrepreneurs, online marketers and more. I have attended and they have been awesome.

Meetups are the nightmare for almost every worker. Most of the times they are anxious or feeling awkward. But, are necessary and these tips are awesome because they teach you how to maximize what you can get from them.
Rashmi Sinha @ TechInitio recently posted..Facebook and Dropbox Accounts, Vulnerable on iOS Devices

I think quite a few commenters didn’t understand the meaning of a meetup, however, this was an excellent post!

I have not had great luck at meet ups mainly because Im not good a meeting new people. Thanks for the post!
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My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different page and
thought I may as well check things out. I like what
I see so now i am following you. Look forward to finding out about your
web page repeatedly.
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When you implement these principles in your business, you’re going to see an influx of referrals coming your way.. Great source of help for the newbies like me..

very nice article on my favorite way Maximizing business at a right time and place is very important. It is not very easy at the same time. Your ways to maximize business at a meet up are very essential.

Meet up is really helpful. I think online meet up is better than face to face meet up.if you want to maximize your business you have to be polite and gentle. it’s a key to success.

Interesting point about sending notes. I didn’t know it’s common practice. As I came to Canada from Russia over 10 years ago, I’m not very savvy in business etiquette nuances like these.
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what about cheking the name at google profiles ? thanks for great article
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Good article. However, Being a business development manager at a MNC, few guidelines from me.

1. Learn about the background and interest of the person you are going to meet. This is very very important. This can really help you connect with the person.

2. Be very clear about he designation of the person and the objective of your meeting. Thats a great deal . Some times objective of meeting with a low rank official is to get access to higher rank official. Therefore be very clear who you are going to meet and objective of meeting.
3. Always close meeting with some actions items. Debrief all the points discussed and action items and action date at the end of the meeting. Greet the person you are meeting properly.

whenever I go to attend a business meeting, I hang my ID-card containing my name and profession on me shirt. I have had success with this many times as people within same industry come up to me seing my Id-card. We just have a small conversation and follow each other on Facebook.
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Researching for information about who will be in a business meet up is essential so you will know the right way to communicate with them.

During meetups it is important that you join the conversation and share your personal insights. However, you need to make sure that you are not monopolizing the conversation and allow the other party impart their ideas.
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Before you attend a meet up, make sure that you have researched the background of people you will be meeting with. In addition, be polite and observe decorum even if you are meeting people via internet.

It is also good to meet people personally. Dealing with them on-line may just be another way to meet them, but it is different if you’ll be able to make some business transactions face-to-face. It may be awkward at first, but we should learn how to deal with it. Thanks for this useful list of tips!

I abbbsolutely loved the #6 one. You’re so right. The common belief about how many cards you hand out is more significant than the useful ones you collect is so wrong. The #8 too – after all, WHAT you know that matters in the long-term doesn’t matter as much as WHO you know!
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“Do not monopolize any one person’s time.”
That’s perhaps one of the most important points, I believe, people should keep in mind. Business is business for everyone, not for you only.
By the way, thanks for summing up most of the business etiquette in a rather concise, to-the-point list! Unlike most of the bloggers, you don’t seem to be inclined towards details. That’s amazing!

I personally love business meeting. So thankful for your tips though lots of us already practice some of your tips. It is really too important that you are aware on the whom the person you are meeting or dealing with, his background and what he/she can contribute to you in terms of on line business you are in.
Nina Corales@Civil ConstructionsNina Corales@Civil Constructions recently posted..Subdivision

Nice one Barbara, when we are doing anything make sure its right time to take over. As you say maximizing business at the right time is a great strategy.
Rachel Berge recently posted..Companies Are Suffering From Web Application Security Breach

Nice article, its very healthy tips for beginners. Before start business you may need your online or offline identity. As same as when we create an website without Page rank its not live. Same formulae appled here make your identity as a page rank.
Rachel Berge recently posted..Companies Are Suffering From Web Application Security Breach

7. Be conversational and polite and do not monopolize any one person’s time.

8. After the event, send brief notes to people whom you want to build a relationship.

The two tips is too useful to get the advantage business.

This post is a great reminder to those people who do business meet-ups. It is necessary to consider the venue where you can talk and end up to the business plan you are looking forward. Politeness is much appreciated and show enthusiasm as you talk to you meet-up scheduled client.

Great business meetup tips. I haven’t heard of many of those before as I am new business meetups. I will defiantly try those at my next one.
Thanks
Brian recently posted..What is Life Insurance?

I have recently started business, so these are some real healthy tips for me (beginners). Nice article, Thanks for that.

Excellent post. You really dialed that in. It’s the simple principles that worked for people that have already been where we are heading and desire to be that we should pay close attention to.Thanks for keeping it real and I always look forward to your next post!

Meeting a person physically is good for several reasons. In person you are able to see the other person’s body language, which includes the way they dress (professional)? It’s also reasonable to think that it’s easier to build rapport in person than through a computer.
Joseph@Poker Bonos recently posted..Bonos de Bwin Poker

All the points you mention is helpful. I personally believe points #2, #7 and #8 are the best ones. Meetups are the best place to established a good relation with people of same field.
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Great Post! Totally need this! Very real. These tips are completely in line with my goals for 2013.

Wow! Very nicely put and valuable tips for meetups. I have been going into meetup events and I can most certainly relate to some of the recommendations and I must say, it does the magic.
The true value of Meetup events is in networking. It’s amazing what is possible of somebody follows these steps.
Regards,
Kumar
Kumar Gauraw@Personal Branding recently posted..How To Build Your Brand Identity Using Google Authorship

It was very interesting for me to read that blog. Thanks the author for it. I like such topics and everything that is connected to them. I would like to read more soon.