Online board meeting is becoming a regular feature of the modern world of nonprofits with board meeting preparation checklist the amount and number growing as more boards embrace video-based meetings. Although there are those who believe that face-to-face meetings are superior than virtual meetings, it’s essential to know the advantages of using virtual technology and how to use it to facilitate productive discussions and decision-making.
1. Use a functional online board meeting platform.
There are a variety of free or low-cost online video conferencing platforms that could be used to host your virtual board meeting. It is important to choose the right platform for everyone on your board. If you have members who are spread across the country, or the world, it’s ideal to provide a screen sharing feature. If your board is on a budget and you are looking for a cost-effective solution, you might want to look into audio-only phone conferences options for those that do not have video capabilities.
2. Start the meeting by presenting a concise agenda.
A more concise agenda can help your meeting run smoothly and prevent it from becoming too long. It also makes it easier to focus on the most important issues and ensures that everyone has the chance to speak.
3. The meeting should be scheduled at the time that works for all participants.
If your board members are in different parts of the country, or even the world, you’ll be required to ensure that the time you plan your meeting will work for them all. It is also important to think about any other factors that may influence their ability to attend such as early mornings or late night hours frequent commutes, or common break times.
