Marketing Strategies and Solutions

1. Determine whether or not a meeting is really needed.  If not needed, don't have the meeting.
2. Set goals to that everyone knows what is the meeting is to accomplish.
3. Be sure to have a written agenda that is distributed before the meeting so that everyone comes prepared. 
4. Schedule the meeting at a time that is most convenient for that largest group of people to attend.  Use a free online tool such a "Doodle" find out what is best date and time for the most people.
5. Prepare so that meeting time is wasted covering old ground.
6. Remain focused on the meeting agenda and goals.  Do not let the meeting go off track.
7. If an issue can't be resolved, make sure that an individual or subgroup has an assignment to gather the information needed to make a decision at the next meeting.
8. End the meeting by restating the meeting's goals and what was accomplished.  Also make a list of next steps.
9. After the meeting, follow up with the participants by sharing meeting minutes, assignments and the next meeting date (if needed).
10. Always ask for feedback to improve future meetings.

If you have any questions on running effective meetings, having an effective Board of Directors, or other governance issues, contact Jim Gooden, past chair of the American Lung Association's national Board of Directors.