Meetings are inevitable — whether you’re a business executive or member of a volunteer, social, or civic organization. But meetings can be a very effective and efficient way to communicate, if properly planned and conducted. To help you pull off successful meetings, below are some key strategies to follow. You may only need to address a few of them, if you’re conducting an informal meeting. For a meeting with major consequences, you should give all or most of these areas careful consideration.

Prior to Meeting

First, you’ll need to define purpose of meeting and develop an agenda with cooperation of key participants. Then distribute agenda and circulate background material, lengthy documents or articles ahead of time. This will make participants feel prepared, involved and up-to-date, so they can be ready to make valuable contributions to meeting.

Next, choose an appropriate time for everyone to assemble. It’s also important to set a time limit and stick to it, as much as possible. Participants have other commitments and will be more likely to attend meetings if you make them as productive, predictable and short as possible.

If possible, set up room so attendees can face each other in a circle, semi-circle — or U-shaped rows for large groups. The location you choose should comfortably suit your group's size. Rooms that are too small can get stuffy and create tension; a larger room is more comfortable and encourages individual expression.

During Meeting

by Gerri D Smith Copyright 2004 Word Count 688

“Whatever you persistently allow to occupy your thoughts will magnify in your life.” -Dennis Kimbro, PhD., Author, Small Business Consultant, and Lecturer for Napoleon Hill Foundation

Your reason for becoming an entrepreneur or having a business of your own is first spark that motivates you to do so. A successful business is determined by how often you are motivated and in balancing various stages of your life. Planning every step that is well thought out is key to having continuous success in your business.

In order to start a business, it only takes one thought. In order to grow any enterprise, business, or entrepreneurship it requires a series of steps that must be actively and consistently developed. To keep your business successful, it must be given constant thought and attention. Your thoughts can empower you, give you energy, or make you act on your desire. Only you can decide which thoughts you must focus on to guide you toward your success.

When your thoughts are expressed to others, they become a reflection of who you are. They can project themselves onto others. So, take charge of your thoughts. Think about how you feel, and how those emotions affect you and carry you through life. These emotions when joined with your motivations determine your end result.

The manner in which your thoughts are displayed, not only in your business but, in your daily life serve a useful purpose. Therefore, it’s important to understand where you direct your thoughts. Focus on good thoughts and keep negative thoughts and feelings under control. Unpleasant thoughts can turn your customers - and friends, away.