This always seems like being the impossible task. No one really likes meetings, unless they are the fun ones, Tweetups, PodCamps, etc. But really, having a solid, productive meeting isn’t very difficult at all.

• No More Laptops – 43 Folder said this best in their “Topless Meetings“. The best thing to do is just give the attendants notepads and pens. When they get back to their offices they can input anything they need into their computer. But without all the gadgets more focus is seen.
• Plan a LOT – Always know what you will be talking about, and have it ready. Make sure that you establish a flow for the meeting and keep to it. You also must keep your members engaged so that they don’t doze off.
• Establish a Schedule – Keep a schedule of what will happen in the meeting at what times. This keeps you on time, and on topic.
• Wrap it up – Wrap up the meeting with a small summary. Something with points that your attendees can write down quickly and remember. Restate the main points so that they are emphasized and that they are understood.

Since I began working with my Friend and Co-Worker Craig Shipley at Summit Hospitality. I have learned two things Food, and Up-Sell.

Craig is probably one of the best salesmen so for me to learn from him that to win over the sale you have to win their stomachs. So in that case, whenever you’re working on an important sales lead there are two things you should remember. Feed them and Up-sell. They’re not very hard and once you’ve got them down they help you get the sale and keep it!

So here’s the process.

• Morning Meetings – Always set up the meetings in the morning. Attentiveness and productivity will be higher in the person. As long as it’s not literally the FIRST thing, you’ll be fine. Make sure you don’t schedule too early, if you do you’re going to have a grumpy croud that will not want to deal with meetings or anything at all for that matter.
• Feed The Masses – The likely hood that someone has eaten a big, solid hearty breakfast now-a-days is actually kind of rare. Bring some bagels, cream cheese, and some of that big to go coffeem like they have at Panera. Bring them something to munch on then direct their attention to you, and your sale.

On your next sales lead, try this, the psychology through someones stomach is unmistakeable and will usually help break the Ice, give conversation, and ultimately increase sales.