How many times have you yawned during an important business meeting? It’s time to take the boring out of m-e-e-t-i-n-g-s and put the “meet” back in.
What do I mean by this? It’s impossible to avoid meetings all together, so you have to think outside of the box and make people WANT to work with you.
Start On Time…
Just because you do not want a boring meeting it does not mean you should not have a professional meeting. Always start on time and be respectful of everyone else.
Some of us really don’t mind when someone is a minute or two late, but let’s face it…that really gets on our nerves overtime. If you say you are going to start or be somewhere at a certain time, then stick to it.
What if you are going to be late? If you know you are going to be late, then at least send a quick email or tell someone else who is going to be in the meeting. When you think you are going to be more than a few minutes late, then maybe it’s time to reschedule it for when you can actually be there.
Kick Off the Meeting in Style….
While we are on the topic of making a meeting interesting, you should come up with a few ways to kick off the meeting. Let’s say you
a. Ask everyone to start the meeting off with saying something interesting about themselves
b. Play a fun introduction game like telephone
c. Have everyone say their favorite color out loud or mention their most embarrassing moment to date
I’m sure if you really thought about it you could think of something interesting to start your meeting with.
Don’t Stray From the Topic on Hand
Are you ready for this next meeting tip? Please stay on topic.
Besides transitions and trying to make the meeting interesting, you need to try and keep the meeting on target. This is especially true if you are not paying everyone for the meeting. It’s like inviting everyone to a party and telling them to bring their own food. I repeat; stay on task!
Keep Records….
Meetings can go fast and everything is said and done in a flash. Make sure you have someone writing down the ideas that come up during the meeting.
Another good idea is to record the entire meeting because you can always come back and listen to it later. Choose an appropriate time to assign tasks either during the meetings or before/after.
Come Bearing Gifts…
Want to make everyone love your meetings? Bring a small treat. This shows everyone you thought of them, but it’s also a fun way to allow people to enjoy the meeting. It doesn’t have to be a sugar cookie or candy it can be anything you want, really.
If you want to bring pencils or a goofy coffee mug with a picture of yourself, then why not do so?
You want to leave a lasting impression on them, so make it good.
Meet Somewhere Interesting…
Unless you are meeting online, you have the power to meet at an interesting place. Now, let’s talk out of the box here. Do you love exercising? Maybe you and your team can meet and walk.
If you love eating, then meet at a favorite restaurant and invite your team to come for the meeting. There are plenty of places that can spark creativity. If you can’t think of a place, then you can always ask for suggestions.
Make sure you check out my eBook “Think Outside the Coffee Shop: 47 Interesting Places to Host Meetings” to get the creative juices flowing.
Let’s Recap…
Hosting a meeting is a time where you are represented. Yes, all eyes are on YOU. As scary as that sounds, you can follow these tips and have a great meeting. Just think, don’t be boring, think outside of the box and make the meeting interesting.
O’ and one small tip: don’t go over the top to where it’s just embarrassing. You do not want people to know you tried that hard to work on a meeting.
Where do you like to meet? I wanna know…comment below.
Until Next Time…
