Online board meetings are a great method to manage the hectic schedules of board members of non-profit organizations. They allow attendees to avoid stress caused by traffic, manage deadlines for meetings, and cut down on travel expenses. With just a few rules an online board meeting can be as effective one held face-to-face.
It is essential to utilize tools that make the event more interactive and energetic. For instance https://justboardroom.com/ using video to interact with attendees improves engagement since it allows attendees to gauge others’ body language and use non-verbal communication. Instant messengers can also be used to keep the conversation going. In addition, requiring everyone to announce their presence will ensure they are noticed and heard during the meeting.
The agenda must be carefully created so that everyone understands what will be discussed and the method of discussion. According to the Nonprofit Learning Laboratories the agenda should have 20% fewer items to allow more time for conversation and discussion.
Another benefit of the virtual format is that it opens opportunities for new members who might otherwise be excluded due to time or cost constraints. This allows the board to be able to incorporate new perspectives and ideas that could lead to more informed decisions. Additionally, the removal of physical barriers to participation allows the meeting to be more accessible to a wider audience. Board dashboards can also help prepare attendees for the meeting and provide information for discussion.