Business People Arrive Time Receptionist Arriving Appointment Important

When people in the United States have a business "appointment" (scheduled meeting), it is very important to arrive on time. If they "arrive late" (come after the time of the appointment), it is a sign of disrespect and it is not considered professional.

Sometimes, of course, it is impossible to arrive on time. When this happens, it's important to "call ahead" (use the phone to call the office before arriving) to let the people know that you are "delayed" (you will be coming later than expected). You might tell them that you are "stuck in traffic," or in your car on a road where cars aren't moving very quickly, and give them your "estimated arrival time," or the time when you think you will come to the office. Most people are very understanding, as long as they are told about your delay before the meeting begins, so that they can "rearrange" (change) their schedules.

When businesspeople arrive at an office, they tell the receptionist their name, the name of the person they have come to see, and the scheduled time of their appointment. Many professionals believe that "treating" (acting toward) the receptionist with respect is a good idea. The receptionist is often called the "gatekeeper," because he or she is the person who has control over whether you will actually get to see the person whom you have come to see.

Also, many business professionals have close relationships with their receptionists and secretaries, and they may ask them for their "opinion" (thoughts) about you after the meeting. This way, the business professional can have a better idea of how well or poorly you treat people in a business environment when you are not trying "to impress" (to cause someone to have a good opinion of you).