Business Meetings, A necessary Evil - Jan Robberts

Jan Robberts - "Influencing for Global Impact"

​IBGR.Network - PROFIT Radio. Everything a business owner needs to start, grow or exit a business. Grow With Us.

Introduction
Good morning, you are listening to IBGR.Network, the International Business Growth Radio Network, I am your host, Jan Robberts, Global Influencer, Co-Founder of Ki Leadership Institute and founder of JRs Speakers Club. For more information about me, go to the IBGR website and check out my profile. There you will also find all the links to follow and get in touch with me.

Show Objectives 
Do you want to be successful? There are many different, important aspects of being a well-rounded, successful business owner. In today’s show I will explore Business meetings, The Why & How, and provide you with some tips to make life a little simpler in those bored rooms. (yes, I spelled it correctly ☺ ) 

By the end of our time together today you will...
Hopefully have a better understanding of the different types of business meetings, some character building challenges, and some ideas on how to host or attend better meetings in future.
 
Important news:
You can now dial in and ask questions LIVE using the information provided below:
Meeting ID
meet.google.com/dng-wthx-hmg
Phone Numbers
(US‬)
+1 617-675-4444‬
PIN: 511 971 512 2494#‬
More phone numbers
 
What is a business meeting?
A business meeting is a gathering of two or more people for the purpose of making decisions or discussing company objectives and operations. Business meetings are generally conducted in person in an office, however with the rise of video conferencing technologies, participants can join a business meeting from anywhere.
 
Why are meetings important in a business?
As decisions are made faster and employees are more engaged in their work, important company resources are put to good use. You don't have to conduct more meetings just to resolve an issue or re-explain project goals. You can help direct your team toward the right goal by conducting effective and clear meetings.

What is the goal of a meeting?
The Purpose of the meeting is the reason the meeting is being held. The reason must be acceptable to both the organizing body and the potential attendees. Meeting objectives, those objectives that affect the planning process, not the content of the meeting and its various sessions, are important to consider.

As companies become more focused on efficiency, productivity and profitability, it has become essential that businesses look at their numbers to ensure that their time, money, and manpower are being put to good use — one of the biggest opportunities lies in assessing how business meetings are run.

• We will look into 6 Types of Business Meetings for Better Efficiency & Communication

1. Status Update Meetings
2. Decision-Making Meetings
3. Problem-Solving Meetings
4. Team-Building Meetings
5. Idea-Sharing Meetings
6. Innovation Meetings

 

• 8 Common Meeting problems

1. Finishing on time
2. Can’t make decisions
3. Dominant participants
4. Silent participants
5. Rehashing decisions
6. Deal with small fires but not large issues
7. Key persons don’t attend
8. Lack of follow-through on tasks

 

• 8 steps on how to conduct an effective business meeting

1. Hold meetings only when required.  
2. Define a meeting agenda.
3. Invite people relevant to the agenda.
4. Stick to the agenda.
5. Stick to the meeting schedule. 
6. Ban the meeting distractions.
7. Agree to implement decisions made in the meeting.
8. Take the meeting minutes.

 

• Some simple but important Virtual meeting tips for success if time allows

(I have added them here in the show notes if not ☺)

I deliver presentation skills workshops and, while listening to the delegates, as well as attending many online meetings and seminars, I started to include a separate session, just for online delivery, as there are so many things to think about and take care off. (I even deliver this as a stand-alone online crash course for corporates now).

Here are just some important Virtual meeting tips for success:

1. Put down the phone…or any other distractions ..It would surprise you what people will do, while attending an online meeting…anything from housework and the washing, to online shopping and playing X-Box.
2. Sign on early – Nothing is more frustrating to punctual people, than those joining 5,10, even 15 minutes late….There can be issues signing on, internet access, power cuts…in south Africa but a lot of frustration can be avoided by joining 5-10 minutes early…it buys some time and shows your host and others you respect THEIR time as well.
3. Close emails – Doing e-mails and other office activities is distracting and disrespectful to the others present.
4. Have camera on – Often people will try to keep their camera off for a variety of reasons; They are at home with the children, their background, internet issues, not dressed for the occasion….When I host online meetings or training, I will always ask for delegates to keep their cameras on…it is also more pleasant to see some ‘friendly’ faces rather than avatars or plain black boxes. (Also know where your camera is)
5. Know your mute button – A most important one!!! Many a comment that should not have been heard, was shared accidentally because the sound was still on….AND…people even take their mobile …to the toilet…equally, if not more embarrassing….

Final thought:
They still haven’t found what the human brain is capable off so why do most of us live with self limiting beliefs? Why do so many of us think we can’t do certain things? Why do so many of us already defeat ourselves before we even start something? 
Your goals, your aspirations, your destiny …it’s all waiting for you with open arms.

Connect with us in real time during the show. Look for the pulsating orange question mark in the lower right corner of most pages on our website. Click it to ask questions or share comments about the show. Your questions are important and, Remember, YOU will decide what we cover from next season..

….True On Demand Programming from our IBGR Network

Previous: Episode P1.07.3 Influencing the outcome – The meeting before the meeting
Next: Episode P1.09.3 Strategic Impact Connections

Written by Jan Robberts – Global Influencer
Contact me on: jan.robberts@kileadershipinstitute.com for any questions about how I can be of service to you and your organization.

Keynote Speaker, Coach, Mentor, Trainer, Facilitator.
Leadership Solutions Provider
Values Based Leadership Specialist
Behavioural Analysis Consultant and trainer

You can also download a free e-book from our Ki Leadership website with successful case studies from some of our international programs and processes.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janrobberts/
www.kileadership.com 
www.jrspeakersclub.com

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