Making the Most out of Your Meetings with Investors, Employees and Distributors


Over the course of your career as an entrepreneur, you'll need to hold a series of meetings with distributors, investors and your own employees in order to make sure you're all on the same page. Many people consider meetings to be a waste of time and downright boring, but there are ways to ensure everyone gets something out of your routine powwows.

Whether you're discussing tactics for marketing new beads or trying to boost your sales of jewelry-making supplies, it's important that everyone is on the same page about how to reach your company goals. Because meetings are often perceived as tedious tasks, you'll need to put forth a big effort to make your investors, distributors and employees believe that it's worth their time.

Although it seems like an uphill battle, there are a few tactics you can use to make your meetings more than just an hour lost during the workday. Here are some tips and tricks you can try to get the ball rolling.

1. Be mindful of the clock

PsychologyToday.com states that being aware of what time your meetings start and end can help you set a precedence. Often, people dislike the idea of meetings because they feel that it will trap them in a room for more time than they would like. However, if you're adamant about beginning and finishing on time, your staff might not be so reluctant to attend on a regular basis. Respecting your employees' time can let them know that you want your gatherings to be efficient.
Making the Most out of Your Meetings with Investors, Employees and Distributors

2. Establish relationships

Whether you're holding a wholesale beading meeting with investors or your sales staff, make an effort to build a relationship with them before, during and after your gatherings. Although it seems like an unnecessary tactic, creating a certain level of trust with the people you're speaking to can eliminate the tension in your meetings. As a result, people will feel more comfortable talking and giving their input when the time comes. Furthermore, establishing relationships with others can strengthen your staff as a whole.

3. Stay on topic

GovLeaders.org reports that although you might think that you're naturally a focused individual, you may lose your way in a room full of people when the potential for tangents is greater. It's easy to pick up a random topic with a few of your coworkers and talk about something other than business. However, staying focused is the key to ensuring that your staff members are interested in what you have to say. By having a point to what you're talking about and staying on track, you can also show your audience that you aren't just there to waste their time.

4. Think before you schedule

In some instances, meetings are necessary--perhaps your company is dealing with an abrupt drop in sales or a new investor has jumped on board. Whatever the case is, you'll want to be sure that you're holding a get-together for the right reasons.

If there are minor changes that you want your staff to be aware of, don't immediately come to the conclusion that you need to hold a company meeting. Instead, think of ways that you can get the word out about smaller matters through email or your intranet. In the end, these efforts will be greatly appreciated by your employees who don't constantly have to busy themselves with meetings.

5. Create an agenda beforehand

CBS News states that if you're going to hold a meeting, it's crucial to have an agenda on hand before you move forward with your plans to address issues with an entire group of people. This will not only help keep you on track, but it'll ensure that you don't miss anything along the way. Think of how many times you've left a meeting and wished you had remembered to bring up X, Y and Z.

With an agenda, you can also make it easier to stay on time. Although some people might perceive this strategy as being too rigid and formal, it's a simple way to achieve all of your goals while gathering your staff members, investors and distributors. Getting into this habit can also give you peace of mind, knowing that you'll be on track whenever you need to lead a meeting.

Most people share a displeasure for meetings, especially when they feel that they could be working on a million other (more important) things. However, the fact of the matter is that this is one of the only ways to keep everyone in the loop as to how your company is faring. Taking these tactics into consideration can ensure that your meetings are as successful as your business.