How often are you in a meeting and someone (is it you?) set their phone on the table? Probably a lot. And if you’re in a sales presentation or meeting with clients, it becomes a marketing issue. That device is sending out a signal for the duration of the meeting and beyond — but not the signal you might think. It’s saying that whatever is going on in that meeting, and whoever is in attendance, is not as important as what might be coming in over that phone. That’s true even if the device is face down or on vibrate. And instead of checking your phone as people are arriving or leaving, why not spend that time talking with them and building those relationships? If you want others to know they have your full attention, leave your phone out of sight until the meeting is over.