It seems like a no-brainer.

You set up an appointment about a week ago to see someone in his office. It is set for this afternoon, at two oclock.

You should call him right away, and confirm that youre still on, right?

Not necessarily.

If the meeting is important, and the person youre seeing is responsible, it should be on his calendar, and you should be able to count on that.

If you failed to sell the importance of the meeting, then it may not have been noted, and your associate might have flown the coop by the time you arrive, or otherwise be tied up.

But note the problem in this scenario, and who is responsible for creating it. Its your fault; because you didnt persuade the other party of the meetings necessity.

So, you should revise your communication style or content to correct this flaw.

What if the person with whom youre dealing is disorganized, or so much at the mercy of multiple demands that he is never where he expects to be, at any given time? We know these people exist.

Should they gain admittance to your client list?

If so, you should select and reserve a time to meet that complements their breakneck pace; i.e. for breakfast, at 6:30 or 7, or after hours at 6 or 7.

Ill set up seminars and speeches that take place up to six months later, and have some correspondence in the interim, but simply fly to the venue at the appointed time, and arrive, on time, ready to perform.

Only once, did this get me into trouble, but because I made the trip, and was billing for it, I was accommodated, and the program came off, without further glitches.

In some telemarketing contexts, I think a follow-up call can provide a convenient out for the prospect, who might have stayed the course, had he not been re-contacted.

The way to solidify the appointment or commitment that you think you have achieved, is to do your own confirmation, during the initial contact, in which you SLOWLY repeat when youre arriving, where youre going to meet, and then you should provide for any questions.

For good measure, you might want to add the words, "Now I'm putting this on my calendar, so please put it on yours!"

After that, your appointment should be solid.