Few TIPS FOR A MORE PRODCUTIVE BUSINESS MEETING

7. Keep minutes . Creating a record of what action was taken and what needs
to be done is important. I’m a big fan of using SMART goals  in creating
minutes. It not only provides a record of what will be done but who is
responsible for it and when it will be completed. Then, the SMART plan
becomes a working document. And it’s terrific for accountability. 

8. If you expect others to talk or present, tell them . In advance. When you put
out that agenda, let the participants know if you expect something from
them. If you want a person to bring the latest data, let them know. If you
want people to come prepared to make a decision, tell them. I recall a
meeting where a board president asked me to present a proposal during a
meeting – it completely threw me off guard because I had no forewarning
whatsoever

 Ask for Feedback. Many team leaders forget or skip over this step, however,
it is one of the most important. By asking team members for feedback on
meetings, you can improve the format and structure of your meetings and how
you approach them, which can motivate and engage team members to
participate in the future.

6. Invite the right people, and state which attendees are optional

Having the right kind of people attending the meeting is of great

importance. Because a critical attendee might share valueable
information or context in making a decision.
VIRTUAL MEETINGS

Work from home has been a new experience that many of us are gradually adapting ourselves to

In this new world of covid 19

And in order to suffice the need of a meeting, virtual platforms are emerging

and there are certain etiquettes which we think are important in todays world to follow during a virtual
meeting

.  Adopt a mandatory video-on policy

Many companies have a mandatory “video-on” policy:

a)    Communication is more effective when non-verbal clues are

involved. Of course, what you’re saying is very important, but how
you’re saying it is also valuable.

b)    Put a face to your voice

It’s no longer the secret of the advertising industry; humans respond

well to faces. That’s why it’s so easy to write a harsh comment on
YouTube and so difficult to have an honest conversation with your
partner. Facial expressions humanize your virtual meetings so
using video in your virtual meetings is a must. 

 Share the mic

There should always be one person coordinating the meeting,
however, all participants should have the opportunity to offer their
input. 
Find a tool that works for you

High-quality technology is key to avoid communication

issues caused by a poor connection or equipment malfunctions.
There is a multitude of video conferencing tools to choose from.
Some of the most popular ones are:

●     Zoom

●     Slack

●     Uber Conference

●     WebEx

●     Skype

●     Google Hangouts

●     GoToMeeting

IMPROVING BUSINES ETIQUETTE

1. Arrive Early (No Excuses)

Arrive to the location of the business meeting at least 15 minutes early. This shows respect and allows
you to find a seat and get situated before the meeting starts.

2. Be Thoroughly Prepared

Each participant should come to the meeting with all of the materials and data she will need and an
understanding of the meeting topic. The whole purpose of the meeting is to discuss the topic at hand.
You've wasted everyone's time if you are not prepared to contribute.

3. Take Regular Breaks

Meetings should have a break every two hours to ensure participants remain focused. Aim for breaks
around 20 minutes long, and meal breaks around 30 minutes long.

4. Follow the Dress Code

The chairperson should indicate what kind of attire is required for the meeting, either business casual or
business formal, and participants should follow that rule. A representative listing of the attire would be
helpful as participants may have differing views on what business casual and business formal is. For
example, when listing the meeting as business formal, you can indicate that a button-down shirt and
khaki pants are sufficient.

5. Speak in Turn

Keep the meeting organized by only speaking when you have the floor. Ask questions during the
designated question period, and raise your hand to be recognized by the chairperson as having the floor.
Do not interrupt someone while they are speaking or asking a question.

6. Keep Calm

Avoid nervous habits such as tapping a pen on the table, making audible noises with your mouth,
rustling papers or tapping your feet on the floor. This is distracting to other participants and makes you
look anxious, even if you are not.