Online board meetings are becoming more common in the nonprofit sector. As more boards begin to adopt video-based meetings, the amount of these meetings is growing. While there are a few who believe face-to-face meetings are superior than virtual meetings, it’s essential to know the advantages of using technology that is virtual and how you can use it effectively to support productive discussions and decision-making.
1. Use a board meeting tool that is easy to use.
There are many low-cost or free online video conference platforms that can be used to host your virtual board meeting. The most important thing is to select a platform that will work for all members of your board. If your board includes meeting availability members spread across the country or even across the globe You should offer a screen-sharing option to ensure the most enjoyable experience. If your board has a modest budget, consider phone conference options that only offer audio for those who don’t have video capabilities.
2. Start the meeting by presenting a brief agenda.
A more concise agenda can help your meeting run smoothly and prevent it from becoming too long. It also forces you to stick to the most important subjects and ensures that each person gets a chance to speak.
3. Set the meeting up at the time that works for all attendees.
You will need to consider the location of your board members, as well as the time that they can attend the meeting. It is also important to consider other factors that might affect their ability to attend like early or late breakfasts, busy commutes, and regular break times.