Do your homework:

Understand the purpose of the meeting and what is expectedof you. Review any materials that have been sent in advance, and come preparedwith questions or points you want to raise. For instance, if you are presentinga new product idea, be sure to have all the relevant information ready to go.

Speak up:

In meetings, it is essential to be heard. Make sure your voice is loud and clear and that you are making eye contact with the other participants. If you are not comfortable speaking up, try to focus on the positive aspects of what you are saying, rather than the negative. For example, think along the lines of "I think this is a great idea, and I would love to hear more about it" rather than "I'm not sure if this is going to work."

Did you know: In 2019, women held 22.0% of Fortune 500 board seats, up from 16.9% in 2010.

Be assertive:

On the same note, it is important to be assertive in meetings. This does not mean being aggressive, but rather confident and firm in your opinions. If you are passionate about an idea, make sure to state your case clearly and concisely. For instance, "I think this is a great idea, and I would love to hear more about it" is a good mental note rather than "I'm not sure if this is going to work."

Dress the part:

First impressions are important, and you want to make sure you look professional and put-together. Choose an outfit that is both comfortable and stylish, and avoid anything too revealing or overly casual. According to a recent study, 65% of women believe that what they wear has an impact on their success in meetings. And it could not be any truer than this.

Be responsive:

In today's business world, things move quickly. Be sure torespond to emails and requests in a timely manner, and keep the lines ofcommunication open. This shows that you are organized and on top of things, andthat you are someone people can rely on. Responsiveness is a key component ofsuccess in business meetings.

Bonus-point: Being a boss-lady in boardroom meetings also requires somesocial skills. From making small talk to networking, these abilities can be thedifference between success and failure.

Make small talk:

Small talk may seem inconsequential, but it is actually animportant part of building relationships. In business meetings, small talk canhelp you break the ice, build rapport, and establish common ground. Plus, itcan be a way to show off your personality and make a good impression.

Network:

Business meetings are also a great opportunity to network.Get to know the other participants, exchange business cards, and connect onsocial media. If you make a good impression, you never know where it couldlead.

Take notes:

It is important to be an active listener in meetings, and taking notes is a great way to do this. Not only will it help you remember what was discussed, but it will also show that you are engaged in the conversation. Plus, it can be helpful to refer back to your notes later on.

Did you know: In 2019, women held 27% of board seats at S&P 500 companies, up from 16.2% in 2008.

Follow up:

After the meeting, be sure to follow up with the relevant parties. This shows that you are interested in the outcome of the meeting, and it helps to build relationships. If you promised to send someone information, be sure to do so in a timely manner.

Be prepared:

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is important to beprepared for business meetings. This means being on time, having all therelevant information, and being ready to discuss the topic at hand. If you arenot prepared, it will show, and it will reflect poorly on you.

Be positive:

Although it is important to be assertive, it is also important to be positive. No one wants to work with someone who is negative all the time, so try to focus on the positive aspects of the meeting. This will make you more enjoyable to work with, and it will increase your chances of success.

Did you know: Contribution of women to the U.S. economy has increased significantly over the past few decades.  In 2016, women accounted for 47% of the U.S. labor force and earned an annual salary of $11,657 less than men

Be professional:

This may seem like a given, but it is important to remember to be professional at all times. This means avoiding gossip, being respectful of others, and maintaining a positive attitude. If you are not professional, it will reflect poorly on you, and it could damage your career.

Pro-tip: try not to be the last one to leave the room, this gives off the appearance that you are disinterested or unimportant. Instead, make sure to thank the host and leave when the meeting is finished.

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