How do you prepare for meetings with new people?

Check out their LinkedIn, check out their Twitter, check out their website, read some of their content.

I look them up on various social media channels and do a google search.

Besides the normal research (LinkedIn / Bio / Background) I look at all of those sites with a specific question in mind "How can I be helpful to this person?" If I can find one way to be helpful, then that typically sets the conversation off to a great start!

Hi Nim, Great question. Many brought up info-research about the person they're about to meet. In my case, however, when it comes meeting new people I start with questioning the essence of the meeting. Not individual as such. The moment I know we're reciprocally valuable I start looking for common touchpoints to bond around. Lately I've been emphasizing the importance of "communication cues". Those little things that you know / remember about people communication's specifics can make it way easier to understand each other. If we're talking "pure business", I try to understand their needs on the granular level and how I (company) can fit into their demand. Hope you find this answer useful 😉

I try to gather complete information about them and set an agenda for the meeting. Official meetings are different than personal chatting. If I am going away from my plan during the meeting, I try to move around pre-set meeting objectives.

I have to admit - I don't spend enough time preparing for meetings. I usually just scan the person's LI profile really quickly.