Business meetings aren’t what they used to be. Because of technology, most entrepreneurs now prefer to do their meetings through video calls, especially if they are meeting with clients and suppliers from overseas. But while that’s the convenient option, doing a business meeting in person will always have its own charm. After all, nothing beats building that personal connection with people who will help your business succeed.
Now if you are planning a business meeting overseas for the first time, here are five tips that you can follow:
- Lock in your venue. When planning a business meeting, you really need to make sure that you’re choosing a venue that would impress your guests. Luckily, you have many options for venues depending on the type of meeting you are hosting, the number of guests and the space that you would need. For instance, you can book a meeting venue in Bangkok that’s centrally located so guests won’t have a hard time getting to the location. It’s also very important to book your venue first before planning the rest of this meeting.
- Take care of food and beverages. Business meetings can be done over lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. Whatever you prefer, make sure that you take care of food and beverages that will be served during the meeting, especially if you’re hosting for many people. Keep in mind that when your guests are fed properly, you’ll all have the energy and enthusiasm to last through the entire meeting.
- Prepare your agenda. You can’t travel overseas and show up in a meeting unprepared. So make sure that you have your agenda clearly planned out before heading to that meeting. This should include all the materials that you will need to help you present your plans clearly.
- Research on the country’s culture. One of the most important things about doing a business meeting overseas is to take the time to understand their culture. This will help you become more efficient during your meeting and build better connections with the people you’re meeting with. Take the time to learn about the local culture of the country you’re visiting, especially their traditions and practices.
Finally, do not forget to plan your outfit to make sure that you dress the part during your business meeting overseas. Depending on the type of meeting that you’re hosting, you can go for a casual or formal outfit. The trick here is to choose an outfit that you’ll be comfortable in but would still make you look professional. Of course, you also need to consider the weather when deciding on your outfit. For instance, if you’re doing a business meeting in Thailand where the weather is extremely humid, you have to go with an outfit that you can be comfortable in.
And if that meeting goes well, then you are on your way to expanding your business, starting with hiring a recruitment agency to help you find the right people for your team.
