Some ABCs of Entrepreneurial Etiquette

Never underestimate the value of time and punctuality, particularly when you are an entrepreneur. While going for meetings always remember that the other person too is giving you time from a busy schedule. The more important the person, the more important it is to be on time. Every now and then you will run into some problems. So whenever this happens, always try to give a heads up. However, don't make it a habit

In the entrepreneurial world, communication plays a key role in success or failure. Getting the attention of the right venture capitalists can after all make or break a venture. Saturday Fare spoke to a few startup founders to understand the soft skills through which they are steering their journey ahead. "Never underestimate the value of time and punctuality particularly when you are an entrepreneur. When going for meetings always remember that the other person too is giving you time from a busy schedule," says Nayana Roy who is on the verge of registering a firm that deals with sports merchandise. "Start your meetings by arriving (and starting them) on-time whenever possible. Being on-time (or even a little early) shows that you are eager and respectful of the other party's time. The more important the person, the more important it is to be on time. Every now and then you will run into some problems. So whenever this happens, always try to give a heads up. However, don't make it a habit," she shares.

"For a productive meeting always have an agenda and better still share it ahead of time. The more proactive you are, the more you will get out of the meeting. Setting the agenda will give you control of the narrative and compel the other person to come prepared. You can also invite them to add to/amend the agenda so they can feel initiated into the process as well," says Nayana.

"Although this might sound like a small thing it is very important to take notes during meetings," says Sagarika Konwar, who runs a successful B to B technology startup. "I am not saying catch every word but capture the key discussion points and action items. Better still share them soon after the meeting. This will become a written record of what you discussed and remind everyone about what they have to do. This is also a chance to reflect and catch any mistakes or misgivings about the discussion. This is particularly important when recalling various asks or action items so that you and the other people (who joined the meeting) can be clear about who is expected to do what going forward," she elaborates.

"Never do all the talking in a business meeting. Be an active listener and let others contribute. The more opinions and information you get from the other side the more productive your meeting actually is," shares Nayana.

It is in everyone's interest to keep conversations precise and impactful and not stretch meetings. Sagarika explains, "Nobody likes rambling. Make your point and move on. Let someone ask for clarification or repetition before you repeat. Don't just talk for the sake of talking. Instead contribute to the discussion with a meaningful point."

Resonating to this vein of thought, Nayana says that today in the post COVID era virtual meetings and discussions have become a norm. "It is very essential to maintain the same etiquette virtually. In my experience, I have found that some people have a tendency to unnecessarily stretch a virtual interaction/meeting. This can be very annoying. It's always advisable to end on time or even a little early if possible. The other person on the call will always appreciate having a breather before their next call. In short always be respectful and appreciative of others' time and don't forget to thank them as they sign-off," she concludes.

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