Tips on how to schedule a great meeting!

Ever get an email asking to schedule a meeting, but there isn’t a reason, a time or date included?  And then it takes 5 more emails to get a date, time and location agreed upon?  Here are some suggestions for how to make this process smoother.  And save time!

In the initial email, if you are the one requesting the meeting:

  1. include why there needs to be a meeting (not just “call me”)
  2. ask if there is a good time to meet within the next few days
  3. ask what their preference is for in-person or on the phone
  4. suggest 2 times for them to choose from (this will save on back and forth emails)

If you are the one being asked to join a meeting:

  • Make sure you are available when you say you are (and include some travel buffer time if needed) – don’t make everyone reschedule or wait for you.
  • If the request is an emergency, jump right on the phone and discuss.  Do not let the issue simmer while a meeting time is being arranged!
  • We like to think of scheduling a meeting like asking someone to lunch- if I am asking, I get to suggest the time and location. I become the host of the meeting.  If I am the guest, I do my best to be as flexible and time aware as I can.

Read More:

http://blogs.hbr.org/2011/03/scheduling-a-meeting-the-right/

http://cortlandtjohnson.com/3-keys-to-scheduling-a-meeting-via-e-mail/

http://www.lifehealthpro.com/2012/03/12/lets-meet-how-to-schedule-an-appointment