Online board meetings are becoming more common in the nonprofit sector. As more boards begin to adopt video meetings, the frequency of these meetings is increasing. Some people believe that face-to-face meetings are more beneficial. However, it’s important to be aware of how to use technology that is virtual to facilitate productive discussion and decision-making.
1. Make use of a fully functional online board meeting platform.
There are a myriad of low-cost or free online video conferencing platforms that can be used for your virtual board meeting. It is crucial to select one that works for all members of your board. If your board is comprised of members spread across the nation or even around the world It is important to offer screen sharing to give the best experience. If your board is operating on a budget data management it may be a good idea to look into audio-only phone conferences options for those without video capabilities.
2. Start the meeting by presenting a concise agenda.
A shorter agenda can help the flow of your meeting and helps keep the agenda from getting too long. It requires you to focus on only the most important issues and gives everyone an opportunity to speak.
3. Plan the meeting for a time that will work for all participants.
If your board members are in different parts of the country, or even the world, you’ll need to make sure that the time of day you schedule your meeting works for all of them. It is also important to consider other factors that might influence their attendance like early or late mornings, crowded commutes, and common break times.