Avoiding the Pitfalls of Holding a Board Meeting Online

Due to the pandemic that is forcing businesses to change their work habits, remote work and virtual board meetings seem to be a thing of the past. The flexibility of a digital meeting allows attendees to be able to participate without having consider travel restrictions or quarantine timeframes and can also help reduce the cost board portal technology of hotels and flights.

Online meetings are simple to set up and have become more common among mission-driven organizations who wish to keep their communications open despite the COVID-19 crisis. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential pitfalls that are associated with online meetings so you can avoid them and ensure that your online board meetings are as efficient as you can.

The software platform you use to host your virtual or hybrid meetings is crucial. Select a platform that has the Waiting Room function to protect your meeting from attendees who are not authorized and only permit those who are invited by the meeting’s co-host or host. You should then provide training for your board members to help them get comfortable with the technology and learn how to use it correctly.

Encourage your board members to utilize a headset or speakerphone during the meeting. Also, encourage them to clear their home office so that it looks camera-ready and free from personal photos and other distracting items. Encourage them to sit in a chair, not on their couch or bed. This will help them appear more professional and presentable throughout the meeting. Additionally, encourage them speak up at the start of the meeting so that everyone can be able to hear them and begin the meeting with a positive attitude.