bring a notebook

and a pen.  Take notes.

Having worked for over a decade in management consulting, and now having been running this startup marathon for over three years, I always am bewildered by people that show up to meetings completely empty-handed.  Bring a notebook.  Always. Perhaps the training I received in consulting was just that good.  Perhaps it's training that everyone should follow.  

An "Employer" perspective:  I once worked with this bright engineer who would nod vigorously in meetings, actively and delightfully participate in product meetings, and then a few hours after the meeting, have no recollection of what the meeting was about.  We suggested she bring a notebook and take notes during the meeting to help - she never did. We soon parted ways.  

Here's an "Employee" perspective:  One of my first memories working at a "Big 4" management consulting firm was sitting in a very large intimidating conference room with the CFO and my firm's Partner level "big wigs".  I was an Associate sitting in the back with the other Associates all furiously writing notes.  At one point during the meeting, the client pointed to one of our Partners and then to one of the Associates that had stopped typing.  A few moments later, he (that Associate) was escorted out of the room because he was not "adding any value" just sitting there.  I learned at that moment, never let your guard down in meetings and always strive to add value.

Simply put: Bring a notebook, and take notes = you will auto-magically become WAY more effective.  

Here's why.

1. ​Your memory will definitely fail you without taking notes.  
2. Your memory will especially fail you when you want to recall what items the other person(s) signed up for, or what items you promised you would do.
3. You get a physical (or digital) recording that the event/meeting actually happened.
4. It will help increase information "sticky-ness" so your memory will actually improve.
5. At least, no matter what the outcome of the meeting, you'll be able to always deliver some value by being the notetaker.  If you're strategic, you'll realize that being the notetaker allows you to be the recorder of what's important and how's it is framed/structured.  Send out the meeting notes to everyone relevant to the meeting as soon as possible after the meeting.

Always take notes in these 3 situations:

1. Any kind of meeting.  Coffee, networking, conference, whatever version of networking, job or not job related, bring a notebook and pen.  I always jot down any follow ups or action items that we discussed or agreed to in the meeting - and then I actually follow up afterwards, usually with an email confirming them and thanking the person(s).  Sometimes, I'll go the extra mile and send a card in the mail.
2. Job Interviews.  This is in the similar category as "any kind of professional meeting".  It is so special that it deserves its own bullet.  Write down names, any email addresses of your interviewers you meet.  Write down the questions they ask you so you can keep track of what was asked.  Write down some questions ahead of time.  It shows you're actively listening AND that you're not just about showing up at meetings - it shows you intend to get results out of that meeting.
3. Anytime you owe or are seeking favors.  Write it down.  It shows the other person(s) that you are about action and results -- that you will most likely follow through.  Refer back to your notes at the end and beginning of each day and get'er done.  Help others help you, by following up for favors you want.  Proactively complete favors you owe and have volunteered.  Once complete, cross that action item off your list in your notes.  

If you're not used to carrying around a pen/paper always, other ways of accomplishing the same effect are: 1) add calendar items toward the end of the day and take notes in there, 2) send yourself emails with the notes, 3) voice record the meeting (not recommended for many reasons.)  If I'm at a party for instance, and a situation comes up where I need a quick note, I will send myself emails when I'm not with my notebook.

My favorite method now is to carry a large black artist's sketchbook filled with large sheets of blank paper.  I write notes, I draw arrows and connect meetings and thoughts.  I emphasize some notes with extra underlines, circles and asterisks.   Always bring a notebook.

-- Arry