erything we need with just a click or two there is no need to prepare in advance.

That may be so, but even with powerful searches, you still need to filter through the inaccurate matches. And sometimes, we aren't quite as organized in our computer filing as we like to think. So what happens is, you can end up wasting time looking for material a

A group meeting online is in many ways just the same as a face-to-face offline meeting. You must choose visitors carefully in order to achieve the results and answers you are expecting, as well as take the time to plan out the meeting. Online, you also need to have a good follow up plan like asking them to take action or start them on an accountability plan.

Despite the similarities, there are some preparations that are unique to online meetings. Here are a few tips that can help you have a successful meeting online.

1. Enlist help. On the internet, you never really know what's going on with the person at the other end of the computer. Each computer is so different in make, model, operating systems and personal settings. You may sound fine to yourself but others may not find it that way. Because of that, it's a good idea to have someone help you do sound checks at the beginning and throughout the meeting. This way, whenever they hear a drop or lag, they can quickly alert you and you can either slow down or make adjustments accordingly.

2. Get someone to organize your presentation materials and get your questions ready for you. We would have no choice in a regular meeting but to have these things ready when we walked in. When doing online meetings we tend to believe that we have things under control and have a sense of security. We feel like it is so easy to find everything we need with just a click or two there is no need to prepare in advance.

That may be so, but even with powerful searches, you still need to filter through the inaccurate matches. And sometimes, we aren't quite as organized in our computer filing as we like to think. So what happens is, you can end up wasting time looking for material an

lity plan.

Despite the similarities, there are some preparations that are unique to online meetings. Here are a few tips that can help you have a successful meeting online.

1. Enlist help. On the internet, you never really know what's going on with the person at the other end of the computer. Each computer is so different in make, model, operating systems and personal settings. You may sound fine to yourself but others may not find it that way. Because of that, it's a good idea to have someone help you do sound checks at the beginning and throughout the meeting. This way, whenever they hear a drop or lag, they can quickly alert you and you can either slow down or make adjustments accordingly.

2. Get someone to organize your presentation materials and get your questions ready for you. We would have no choice in a regular meeting but to have these things ready when we walked in. When doing online meetings we tend to believe that we have things under control and have a sense of security. We feel like it is so easy to find everything we need with just a click or two there is no need to prepare in advance.

That may be so, but even with powerful searches, you still need to filter through the inaccurate matches. And sometimes, we aren't quite as organized in our computer filing as we like to think. So what happens is, you can end up wasting time looking for material a

operating systems and personal settings. You may sound fine to yourself but others may not find it that way. Because of that, it's a good idea to have someone help you do sound checks at the beginning and throughout the meeting. This way, whenever they hear a drop or lag, they can quickly alert you and you can either slow down or make adjustments accordingly.

2. Get someone to organize your presentation materials and get your questions ready for you. We would have no choice in a regular meeting but to have these things ready when we walked in. When doing online meetings we tend to believe that we have things under control and have a sense of security. We feel like it is so easy to find everything we need with just a click or two there is no need to prepare in advance.

That may be so, but even with powerful searches, you still need to filter through the inaccurate matches. And sometimes, we aren't quite as organized in our computer filing as we like to think. So what happens is, you can end up wasting time looking for material a

rdingly.

2. Get someone to organize your presentation materials and get your questions ready for you. We would have no choice in a regular meeting but to have these things ready when we walked in. When doing online meetings we tend to believe that we have things under control and have a sense of security. We feel like it is so easy to find everything we need with just a click or two there is no need to prepare in advance.

That may be so, but even with powerful searches, you still need to filter through the inaccurate matches. And sometimes, we aren't quite as organized in our computer filing as we like to think. So what happens is, you can end up wasting time looking for material a

erything we need with just a click or two there is no need to prepare in advance.

That may be so, but even with powerful searches, you still need to filter through the inaccurate matches. And sometimes, we aren't quite as organized in our computer filing as we like to think. So what happens is, you can end up wasting time looking for material and information you should already have with you.

An assistant will help keep you organized and ensure any presentation goes smoothly with as little interruption as possible. They can also help you gather questions, locate information and do all the nitty gritty small stuff. These are things that can quickly confuse you while you're trying to facilitate the meeting. So don't let them.

3. Next, send reminders. In the offline world, reminders are important but in the online world, it's crucial. Simply because it's so much easier for people to ignore an email than someone popping into their office now and then. Of course, you do not want to send so many emails to the point you're spamming people. Generally, it's good to send one around 24 hours before and one about 1-2 hours before.

4. Computers that are connected to the internet have a huge draw and tend to suck people in. People can quickly get sucked up into surfing, checking emails and multi-tasking and not pay attention to your meeting. When a presentation is largely audio, people's eyes tend to wander in search of something to look at. Help keep their focus. Use visuals and white boards where applicable to draw their attention back onto your materials and the discussion at hand.

5. This final point may seem obvious but be sure that those who are broadcasting video have a high-speed internet connection. You may b