Define the decision behind a business meeting
Practical answer: Define the decision behind a business meeting
Write an agenda around the outcome rather than a list of broad topics. Include the questions each participant can answer and any material that needs advance review. Invite people who contribute relevant information or have the appropriate authority. Leave time to identify what remains unresolved.
An invitation to “catch up” can be pleasant but difficult to prepare for. An October 2022 business meeting becomes more useful when the organiser identifies whether the discussion is about information, suitability or a specific next decision.
Economic context
The RBA’s August 2022 overview described inflation and rising interest rates weighing on the outlook for global growth. Read the RBA overview.
An illustrative example
A hypothetical supplier meeting is intended to clarify whether a proposed category is suitable. The agenda asks about specification, operating area and the information needed for a later quote. It does not imply that purchasing authority will be granted in the meeting. At the end, record the information gained and the next decision, with a responsible contact.
Three points to take into the conversation
- Name the decision
- Invite relevant people
- Record the next step
Before progressing the conversation, check that the purpose, current information, responsible contact and next review date are clear. For a corporate-information, supplier or partnership enquiry, contact EJN Services through its enquiry page.
The economic context comes from the report linked above. The process suggestions and examples are original editorial guidance, not RBA recommendations or records of EJN Services engagements.
