Many of us go into business meetings misled about the important role meetings play in keeping one in the loop. Believe it or not, important things do happen at meetings - the most important of these is that people learn about each other. Judgments and impressions are made and opportunities to impress abound, according to Jodie Vesey, an etiquette expert who works with us at Laurie Richards & Associates.

One misstep, warns Vesey, and an important business deal could go down the drain.

"I've seen too many business relationships fall apart in meetings," says Vesey. "People sometimes take a meeting for granted and then they wonder why they didn't finish the deal."

Vesey notes that there are ways to avoid missteps. Here then, are some tips from her on how to best take advantage of these opportunities.

• Arrive at the meeting on time or even a little bit early. Arriving late impresses no one and, in fact, is an insult to those who made it on time. If the meeting starts at 10 a.m., be there no later than 10 a.m.
• Enter the meeting room with a friendly confidence and looking your professional best. Shake hands with your colleagues and introduce yourself to those attendees that you do not know.
• Be fully prepared. Have the agenda, pertinent papers and a pen in front of you. This will keep you from having to fish around while everyone waits for you. Avoid running back and forth to your desk to retrieve something that should have been in front of you in the first place. Not being prepared will give others the impression that you are a disorganized person.
• Your briefcase does not go on the table or on a spare chair. It belongs on the floor. The same holds true for purses.
• The types of business accessories you use speak volumes about your level of professionalism. Carry a leather briefcase and notebook. No plastic, canvas or something that looks like it belongs on the space shuttle. Own a quality writing instrument, preferably one that does not have the name of a hotel on the side of it. (Unless, of course, you work for a hotel!) These small details are what will set you apart from the ordinary.
• Do not look bored, even if you are. Right about the time you tune out, something of importance will be said and you will miss out. Avoid playing - no paper clip people, rubber band instruments, or doodle masterpieces. If you keep both feet on the floor and lean forward, you will look and feel more attentive. Leaning back with your leg on you knee is altogether too casual. If you start to feel sleepy, get up and throw a piece of paper away in the garbage can. This will get the blood flowing and give you a quick boost.
• Speak up, but keep it brief and to the point. We all know how painful it is to sit through someone's aimless ramblings. Do not interrupt, no matter how much you disagree with what is being said. If you disagree with someone, never publicly criticize that person. You will lose respect and the person you are attacking will gain office sympathy. Think before you speak and try to use positive language as often as possible.

If you make the effort to pull all of these tips together at future business meetings, you will create a stronger professional image for yourself. You will also gather more information than ever before, and soon, you will be looking forward to meetings as an opportunity to let yourself shine!