When you go into a meeting, whatever type of meeting it may be, you have two choices, either you can be in control or you can be controlled.

One tip that we were taught many years ago is that in order to gain control of any meeting, and positively influence the outcome, know what you want to get out of the meeting before you go into it and be confident about what it is that you want.

By knowing what the outcome of a meeting is before you go into it highly increases your control of the meeting and your chances of actually getting what you want out of the meeting.

Obviously, it is important to use a bit of tact in the meeting and not to be forceful with your opinions but you will be amazed at your persuasion powers when you know what you want and you are confident you will get it.

This tactic works really well for sales pitches, tenders, salary discussions, team building meetings, board meetings etc.

When we say "know the outcome of a meeting", for example if you are doing a sales pitch and want to secure a sale, firstly, know that you are going to leave the meeting having signed the sales contract.

At the same time, to ensure this happens, ensure you know every little detail about the sale, what price you are willing to negotiate down to, what terms you are willing to offer, what agreements you are willing to enter in to and stick to your pre-defined guidelines.

Too many people get swayed in meetings and leave the meeting no better than before and sometimes worse.

Be prepared, know what you want and know what you have to do to get it

It is said that luck is when opportunity is met with preparedness.

The luckiest people in the world are said to have been prepared for opportunities when they came their way.

The best way to be prepared for opportunities is...

1.Identify a range of different opportunities that you would like to become available to you and your business

2.Think about what it is that you need to do that if these opportunities came your way, you were prepared to take advantage of them

A simple ways to be prepared for opportunities is to carry a briefcase/laptop bag around with you where ever you go with the following in it...

a.Your business cards
b.Your business plan
c.A price list of your products
d.A memory stick with a presentation about your idea/business on it
e.A receipt book in case someone wants to pay you
f.Your CV in case you are asked
g.A prototype of one of your products where applicable

By being prepared, you will be amazed at how many more opportunities you will be able to take advantage of