Module 11 alternatives to meetings. Sometimes a face to face meeting isn't the best solution. In this module, we will explore alternatives to meetings that can help you and your team save time and be more productive. Don't forget that even if you're using a meeting alternative, you should still use the pad approach that I discussed in the last module. Take minutes and distribute post meeting notes and action items. Instant messaging and chat rooms.

Instant message applications and chat rooms can be a great alternative to meetings, especially if it meeting members are separated by distance. Something's to remember. Make sure you have an agenda and stick to the chairpersons role in keeping things on track. is more important than ever. set some ground rules at the beginning of the meeting to eliminate distractions, such as emotions, sounds and acronyms. Make sure you keep a record of the meeting.

Some applications to try campfire meeting pal, Microsoft Office communicator and Windows Live Messenger teleconference in more personal contact and real time sharing as needed. Try teleconferencing system like Adobe's Acrobat comm Microsoft Live Meeting, or centrex Go To Meeting. Most teleconferencing applications feature screen sharing collaboration tools, interactive whiteboards, voice and text chat support, meeting recording capabilities, which conserve as minutes. Again, remember the Pat approach and remember the key minutes and Action Lists, email lists and online groups. If your meeting group requires ongoing interactive communication, rather than periodic face to face gatherings, and email lists for or online group can be an effective two. There are a few options for these online tools.

If your organization has the infrastructure in place, you may be able to set up something on site. If your organization doesn't have such an infrastructure. There are many free tools out there, including Google Groups, Yahoo groups and combos, a few things to keep in mind if you're going to use this sort of solution. In a moderator is essential. These types of tools can quickly get out of control without proper supervision. You'll want to make sure members stay on the topic and stay professional.

Make sure you monitor the time spent on these tools. Setting a daily or weekly update or delivery time might be a good idea. Just like a meeting and online list or group should have a purpose and stick to collaboration applications. A more sophisticated electronic two can be reduced. The need for meetings is collaboration applications, systems like Microsoft SharePoint, Reich Pentatonix, Google Docs, and Basecamp can give users interaction and collaboration tools from any location these sorts of tools May be beneficial for project meetings, or situations where users need to peer review each other's work. Once again, these tools must have their purpose clearly stated, and participants must make sure that these time saving tools, don't turn into time wasters.