Startups

How startups can have more effective meetings

  • 4 min Read
  • April 24, 2017

Author

Escalon

Table of Contents

Meetings at their core aren’t bad things, yet many employees dread them.


You can set a culture in your startup for meetings that work and don’t destroy the day and your team’s morale.


Let’s look at how startups can have more effective meetings.


Abide by the rule of seven



The first thing you want to do is manage your invite list.


In the past, companies have used the mantra, “the more, the merrier.” This isn’t the best operating procedure.


Begin your startup on the right foot, and keep your meetings to seven people or less. Unnecessary people get in the way, and too many people can result in a slow, unproductive meeting.


The Rule of 7 says that every attendee over seven reduces the likelihood that you’ll make good, quick, executable decisions by 10%. That means once you have 16 people in a meeting, your effectiveness drops to zero.


Set meeting times



It’s a good idea to set your meeting beginning and ending times. For example, schedule your meeting for 30 or 60 minutes and don’t go over.


The meetings that drag on all afternoon are detrimental to your startup and the productivity of your employees.


Each non-productive minute of your meeting eats at your bottom line.



Consider TinyPulse, which takes this notion a step further. They set a strict meeting start time of 8:48 am. Sound odd?


It is, but according to them, they have basically eliminated tardiness.


So, in addition to setting a meeting length, get creative with your start and end times. This adds a bit of fun in your day and keeps everyone on their toes.


Talk to us about how our outsourced business services can help your startup improve workplace productivity and boost operational efficiency.



Create an agenda



Meetings without an agenda are like going on a road trip without a map. Both are aimless endeavors that can go on forever.


Your startup can have more effective meetings if you set an agenda. Once you’ve created your agenda, give each item a time frame as well.


Create your agenda at least one day before the meeting so your team has a chance to look it over. That way everyone is prepared to discuss the materials a hand.


Either watch the clock during the meeting or put someone else in charge of this and stick to your schedule.


Ban technology



Yes, that’s right. It’s virtually impossible to stick to your agenda and your time frame if your team members are on their phones scrolling through email and texts.



Employees should put down anything that’s distracting from your tasks at hand so you can have a more effective meeting.


Consider Plum Organics , which gets out coloring books for their employees during their weekly staff meetings.


The team colors while brainstorming which is highly effective for them.


Final thoughts



Meetings don’t have to get the best of you or your team.


You don’t want to hold a meeting just for the sake of having one. With email, text messages and collaboration software, meeting times can be reduced.


The best reason to hold meetings at your startup is for brainstorming, team building, gathering input and making decisions that have to be done by a group.


For the most effective meetings, think about the reason you want to have one. Ask yourself if it’s really necessary. If it is, decide on a time frame, topic and/or purpose and small list of invitees.


Create your agenda and stick with it.


Finally, for every item on your agenda, assign someone to follow up. You want to leave your meeting with someone directly responsible for each action item listed.


This ensures follow-up and follow-through for your meeting.  Once this is done, you can count the meeting as effective.


Want more?

Escalon has helped thousands of startups maximize their business and potential with our back-office solutions for accounting, HR, payroll, insurance, and recruiting and taxes — and we can help yours too. Talk to an expert today.
 

Talk to our team today to learn how Escalon can help take your company to the next level.

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.

  • Quality and consistency

    Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

    Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.

Contact Us Today!

Tap into the latest insights from experts in your industry

Accounting & Finance

Financial Planning for the Future, Setting Long-Term Business Goals

While small businesses must handle day-to-day tasks—like managing payroll or closing monthly books—long-term planning is the compass that keeps them...

Read More
People Management & HR

Benefits Administration, What Small Business Need to Know

Benefits administration can be a game-changer for small businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. While salaries remain an...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

AAP vs. Cash Accounting: Which Method Is Best for Your Growing Business? 

Choosing the right accounting method can significantly impact how you track financial performance, manage taxes, and plan growth. Two common...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

Beyond Bootstrapping: Advanced Cash Flow Management for Scaling Companies 

Bootstrapping—financing growth through internal cash flow—is a hallmark of many successful startups. But as businesses mature past their initial stage,...

Read More
Technology & Security

Building a Scalable Tech Stack: How to Choose the Right Tools for Growth 

In today’s business landscape, technology is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic asset that can supercharge growth. But as you...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Reduce Month-End Close Time Without Sacrificing Accuracy 

The month-end close can feel like a perpetual scramble—collecting invoices, reconciling accounts, fixing last-minute errors. A drawn-out close not only...

Read More
uncategorized

How to Reduce Overhead Costs Without Impacting Productivity 

Overhead costs—from utilities and rent to administrative staffing—can quietly swell until they erode profit margins and slow your ability to...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

How to Structure Your Finance Team as Your Business Scales

Growth triggers a tidal wave of financial complexity, multi-entity operations, new product lines, overseas expansion, or investor relations. If your...

Read More
Accounting & Finance

M&A Readiness: How to Prepare Your Financials for a Successful Acquisition or Sale 

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can dramatically alter a company’s trajectory—unlocking new markets, technologies, or customer bases. Yet, many deals stumble...

Read More