Business is about relationships. Customers choose to do business with companies that seem knowledgeable of their unique industry, and invested in their success. LexisNexis Smart Meeting is a new service that gives companies an advantage when competing for business.

An IDC (IDC is the research arm of PCWorld’s parent company, IDG) survey from 2011 found that sales and business professionals are often unprepared for initial customer meetings. In order to demonstrate knowledge and provide value, it’s important to be prepared with information about the prospective customer, and to be aware of current events and breaking news that impact the company.