David’s Tip to Non-Profits: Be Punctual!

This probably isn’t about what you think – anybody in the business world knows to be on time for meetings. But you have to plan for things you don’t expect. In my career, far too often people were late for meetings with me because they thought they knew where to go – but they didn’t. This was especially true of non-profits who were coming to meet with me and ask me for a sponsorship or a grant.

Now, with GPS on everybody’s phone this shouldn't happen - right? Well, at one point the company for which I worked owned or leased 27 buildings around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Some people assumed they knew which building to come to – but they didn’t. They would call me and explain they were at the wrong building and ask me how to get to where I was – and we’d start 15-20 minutes late or I’d have to cancel the meeting because I had other meetings scheduled.

So don’t just assume you know where to go – it’s okay to ask. I had a pre-prepared document telling how to get to my office, where to park and what to do once you entered the building – how to get through security, etc. Most people can provide this type of direction, but don’t depend on them to remember to send it to you – ask for it. Then just make sure you leave in plenty of time to get there, get parked and get through security, etc. so the meeting can begin on time.