Spend the first minute or two on small talk, family, hometown, how long you’ve been on-island, before shifting to why you’re actually there. Skipping straight to the ask reads as brusque, not efficient.
Once you’re into the substance, resist pushing for a fast yes or no. A patient, friendly approach that gives people room to respond gets further than a hard sell or repeated follow-up pressure in the same meeting.
- If an elder is in the room, greet them first — before shaking hands with anyone else, and speak calmly and deferentially toward them throughout, it sets the tone for the whole meeting.
- This isn’t unique to first meetings — the same warm-up-before-business pattern holds even with people you’ve worked with for years, don’t assume familiarity buys you a shortcut straight to the agenda.