In the previous post on meetings, I mentioned that I’d like to talk more about agendas in this session so I’ll do just that. Plus, I’d also like to make a recommendation that may well surprise you.

At first glance, it may seem odd that I’d emphasize the importance of agendas. After all, they’re simply a list of tasks to be accomplished during a meeting.

But, actually, agendas are a great deal more than that; they’re actually a powerful tool for entrepreneurial success with investors, partners, employees, etc. And there are three reasons for my claim.

First, when you prepare the agenda, you initiate action on your terms, not somebody else’s. This gives you control of any meeting you hold.

Second, the more time you spend in preparation of agendas, the less time is spent in the meetings, and that’s always a great benefit!

Third, the act of writing agendas forces you to think through the purpose of a meeting and what you want to accomplish during it. In other words, an agenda is a very effective tool for bringing order and clarity to your thought process.

Therefore, by drawing up your own agendas, you gain great efficiency and effectiveness. Plus, you dictate the pace and direction of your projects and spend less time doing them!

Here’s a sample of a straight-forward agenda:

Location: Central Conference Room

Date & Time: 9:00 a.m. Wednesday,

June 5

Length: 60 minutes

Attendees: ________________________________

Meeting Agenda

I. Introductions

II. Objective: To discuss proposal for virtual real estate marketing program.

III. Overview

A. Background

B. Marketing Program

C. Target Market

IV. Market Analysis

V. Competitor Analysis

VI. Investment Requirements

VII. Q & A

VIII. Summary and Conclusion

An Unusual Recommendation!

At this point, I’m going to make a recommendation for meetings in which you’re not leading the discussion. And that unusual recommendation is… volunteer to be the secretary or recorder!

Now, for many entrepreneurs, this akin to sentencing yourself to a business purgatory in which you’ll be bored to death….or taking on a duty that’s beneath your dignity.

Well, I’m not going to claim that it’s fun, but I’ve actually found it to be an invaluable entrepreneurial tool!

How can I make this claim? Well, remember that the secretary/recorder knows everything that goes on in a meeting! That’s the task of the position. And when you know everything, you put yourself into a position of considerable power as an entrepreneur.

You know what projects are under discussion…who the decision-makers …where the money is coming from…when the projects will begin…the likelihood of success…and on and on! In effect, you have an “invisible” seat of power without anyone knowing it!

And whenever you join a new association or similar group, I’d also recommend that you volunteer for a secretary/recorder role. Get on committees and take the tasks few other people want.

This strategy allows you to display leadership qualities right from the start. Then, from that base, you can aid in the facilitation of the meetings and make yourself known among your peers.

They’ll recognize your dedication and hard work, and, eventually, they’ll reward you with higher positions. Most importantly, you’ll gain the contacts and information you need to make your entrepreneurial projects a profitable reality.

So, whenever feasible, write the agendas for your meetings so you have control of those gatherings and can direct the flow of discussion. Also, be sure to join associations and groups related to your entrepreneurial efforts.

Once you do join, be sure to volunteer for the secretarial/recorder role of committees so you become an “insider” and have access to all the information discussed during the meetings.

Tags: agendas, control, entrepreneursip, meetings, profitability