The value of an appointment

This is a basic concept...if you have an appointment at 8:00, be there BEFORE 8. As a leader of my company, I have my share of appointments. Some I go to, others people come to see me. I gage the amount of mind share I will give based on the promptness of the people for the meeting. If they are late, then it appears that they are not serious about the meeting, or even worse, about our relationship. Many will say that is not the case, but it seems that our society has relaxed so much that "as long as I am close" to the appointment it is okay. We need to go back and refresh our viewpoint on what being a Professional is: Being on-time, being prepared, investing in the other party, and doing the right thing.