I am a hard core fanatic when it comes to meetings:
If I am going to be 1+ minute late, I will sms and mail the party apologizing.
Usually I expect folks to be BEFORE time for their meets with me – and if not, at least ON TIME.
There is also a general rule we have at 2win:
– Arrive at a meeting ON TIME
– After sitting for 10 minutes, remind the party by sms/e-mail and also tell the receptionist.
– Repeat the process between 15-20 minutes
– LEAVE – Just walk out AND LEAVE on the 31st minute.
I have walked out of many offices in the past 12 years using this rule, including a meeting with Helion – the VC (Rahul Chandra my good friend later told me that he was seated in a restaurant in the building and no one even called him up to tell him that I was waiting – the receptionist was too petrified to call him and rather kept the visitor waiting).
Most of the time the party calls back or apologizes but there are folks (particularly in Delhi) who dont give a damm.
My view is that if they cant value your time – they will NEVER value your business.
Quit on them even before you start.