As an entrepreneur, what does the term ‘active participation’ really mean in a practical sense?

Active participation is crucial. Without this, the meeting is useless and both time and money are wasted. I’d class that as a feeble meeting. Avoid feebleness at all costs. Otherwise the memory will be so negative that the potential investor will be reluctant to attend in future. Moreover if obliged to attend, they will be as uncommunicative as previously. Possibly even more so. All in all, negative reinforcement.

So does this mean that a business meeting needs to be entertaining in order to succeed?

Certainly not! Effective participation means that both the entrepreneur and potential investor felt valued. This is demonstrated by their contributions being appreciated by each other. Sounds good on paper, but what about the practical reality?

The most effective, and fortunately uncomplicated, way is through your actions The most important being that the potential investor’s opinions are not met with derision. This is easily achieved by listening patiently. Note patiently, not endlessly!