A Simple System for Preparing for Every Meeting
Five minutes of preparation before a meeting transforms it from routine to relationship-building. Here is the system.
The difference between a good meeting and a great meeting is preparation. Not hours of preparation — five minutes. Enough to review who you are meeting, what you discussed last time, and what matters to them right now.
The 5-Minute Pre-Meeting Check
- Review the contact in your CRM — When did you last meet? What did you discuss? Were there action items? What personal details did they share?
- Check for recent news — A quick LinkedIn scan or Google search for their name or company. Recent job changes, company announcements, or shared content give you conversation starters.
- Define your goal — What do you want to accomplish in this meeting? A referral ask, an update, a deepened relationship, or just maintenance? Having a goal keeps the conversation productive.
Why This Matters
When you reference something from your last conversation — "You mentioned you were looking at houses in the Riverside neighborhood — how is that going?" — the other person feels seen. They feel like you care about them specifically, not just about the business relationship. That feeling is what generates loyalty, referrals, and long-term trust.
Making It Automatic
Some CRMs provide meeting preparation automatically. Before a scheduled call or meeting, they surface relevant contact information, recent interactions, and context. This eliminates the need to remember to prepare — the system does it for you.
Related Reading
Ready to manage your relationships?
Relatable helps professionals stay connected with the people who matter most to their business.
Start free trial