You've gone to your BNI, followed up on the business cards sitting on your desk, now it's time for a one-on-one conversation with some prospects. This conversation will either nurture or hinder your professional relationship, so we have some tips to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Take your hands out of your pockets.

This is a gesture associated with deception, inferiority, and submission between two people of the same gesture. However, this rule is even more important to respect if you are a man meeting with a woman, as the line between "humble and deviant" can be a thin one. Keep your hands available for a handshake, and flash your palms from time to time. It's how we show people that we aren't a threat to their safety.

Stop looking at your phone

In addition to violating a cardinal rule of network (respect eye contact,) looking at your phone repeatedly communicates to your partner that you would rather be elsewhere, or that you have pressing business and can't schedule your time properly. Either way, it's a bad idea.

Swap the coffee for a tea

Two words: coffee breath. Nothing stunts the growth of a relationship like a bad smell. If you're a close-talker, you're going to want to choose a beverage with a much less offense odor. Tea is a safe idea, as is sparkling water. You'll save yourself some dental stains and potentially the relationship.

Remember to steer clear of hot button topics as well: politics are never fair game in a professional conversation! Be brief, and then be gone.