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Before you speak, think:

"Does this need to be said?" then "Does this need to be said by me?" then "Does this need to be said by me, now?"

It's possible for you to add value, but not probable. Just be prepared.

 

Some people may disagree as some but I felt like these were pretty solid when I was an analyst/associate

Don’t be the first to enter the room or first to introduce yourself

Read the room when determining where to sit. Generally I’ll see what chairs the senior members sit in and I’ll flank myself on either end depending on layout

Don’t be the first to sit down wait for client and senior team. Read social cues

Make proper introductions to everyone

Hand out business cards if you see senior members doing so

Prepare. Work on nerves. Make it feel like a conversation and not a rehearsed speech

Don’t speak out unless you have a speaking part/section of deck. Wait for senior members to respond and if they think you are the knowledge expert they will likely say “xxxx what do you think?”

Use time to really get to know the people you’re going to meetings with. I was provided so much more access to office politics after going to client meetings and in general you’re able to build better relationships by learning more about the people you’re with. Just don’t be creepy and talk about other things in downtime if you’re traveling

Maintain interest during meeting, don’t just sit there and take notes. You are supposed to know the material but if the client says something interesting write a quick note down

This likely depends on group and dynamics but I got into the habbit the day after the meeting to circulate to the team the notes I had and asked if anyone had anything additional to add. Was helpful in keeping note trail for future discussions. Just be careful what you include because of compliance

 

One of the most irritating practices I always see, with Analysts especially, is the insistence on dying in a client meeting. As in losing their postures and just half-laying on the table lazily scribbling notes with "bored" clearly spelled on their foreheads, or looking around the room impatiently, to openly stifling yawns, and grabbing peeks at the mobile with looks of bored despair. It's irritating and clearly shows you to be uninterested and insignificant to the meeting. Do not project yourself to be insignificant. You may not have the opportunity to speak but ALWAYS look confident, and engaged with what's being said. Project that you are a confident team player.

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