There’s an image floating around Facebook of a coffee mug with the statement, “I survived another meeting that should have been an email.” This hilarious image rings with an element of truth–everyone has been subjected to meetings and conferences that accomplish very little. Statistics indicate that employees waste an average of 30 hours per month in useless meetings, which, in turn, result in lost revenue for the employer.
We’ve all been subjected to boring and unnecessarily long meetings, but it is possible to make these times productive and effective. Want to save money and respect the time and effort of your employees? Consider the following before you plan your next business meeting:
- Make a plan. Every meeting should have a clear agenda. Without a definitive plan, it is easier to get sidetracked. An agenda should be prepared and circulated to all who will attend the meeting well in advance.
Limit technology. iPads, phones and powerpoint presentations are all beneficial, but in many cases, it can actually slow down your meeting agenda. You may be able to streamline your meetings by making your conference room a “device-free zone.”- Keep meetings small. The larger the group, the harder it is to capture the attention of all participants. Smaller groups are easier to work with, less distracted and more likely to move through your meeting agenda in an efficient manner.
- Understand the purpose of the meeting. Ask yourself, “What is the point of this meeting?” If you simply want to update your employees or ask for feedback, it may be possible to send this information in an email. Emailing also provides the opportunity for employees to respond and express concerns privately, something that may not be possible in a large group meeting.
Collaboration is a an important aspect of any business, but it requires a careful balance of time management and necessity. If you suspect that your employees are “meeting weary” or your meetings are not as effective as possible, try revamping your approach. Shorter meeting times, clear agendas and a focused approach are clear steps toward more efficient collaborative efforts. Instead of simply surviving meetings, make sure they are actually beneficial for the success of your business.
Are you happy?
Once discovered, your purpose should act as a light guiding your path in life. After that purpose is unearthed, use it to define and shape any resolutions that you set during the New Year, and consider keeping a journal along the way. By the end of 2016, you should be able to reflect back and see the changes that your purpose has brought into your life.
Serial entrepreneurs are often able to create successful businesses with maybe one or two other people on board. More in-depth or technologically advanced startups, however, typically require a cohesive team working together in order to pull everything off.
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If you are a small business owner, it’s inevitable–you are going to face roadblocks. The important thing is to utilize these situations wisely by doing the following:
Do not be surprised by obstacles. Instead, embrace the potential that these situations have to propel you forward. What are the obstacles that are standing in the way of you and your company? Don’t run from them–face them head on and use them for your future success.
Ultimately, no single action, plan or secret can bring about any type of real wealth. Using a variety of tools that most people already possess can be the easiest and most effective strategy toward meeting the goal of creating personal wealth.
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No one likes having to sit through job interviews, which typically come with high amounts of stress and anxiety. Affiliate marketing
Does your business offer a service that can help people deal with the holiday season? From lawn upkeep to personal shopping, busy people are looking for relief from their hectic schedules. By running specials on these relevant services, you can attract the attention of people who can benefit from your business.
It is also important, overall, to embrace the positive nature of the holiday season. Encourage employees to express their well wishes to customers and make sure you post things on social media that spread good cheer. Even if your service business does not have a direct tie-in to the Christmas season, a festive and positive company attitude can be a step toward attracting new customers.