Tweet

J.A.M. (Just another meeting)

Written by: Seth Godin

Article Overview: It was so typical. Eight people, the regular bunch. New client kick-off, business as usual. And it showed.

J.A.M. (Just another meeting)

It was so typical. Eight people, the regular bunch. New client kick-off, business as usual. And it showed.

You've done it before, and before that and before that. A dozen or a hundred or perhaps a thousand times before. The typical meeting, with everyone in their typical roles. Often, people even sit in the same spot.

Why are we surprised, then, when the outcome is usually the same as well?

Instead of approaching that moment as JAM, maybe there's a different way. Instead of focusing on how similar this time is to last time, instead of realizing that the similiarities demand similar approaches, maybe, just maybe, the team could focus on the differences. How is this opportunity different? What could we try that might have a radically better outcome?

Different isn't always better, but if all you want is the same, send a memo.

Related Articles
  5 Ways to Improve Communication in Meetings
  It Is All About the Buyer
  Goals – the key to successful meetings
  The "Oh Shit" Board Meeting
  A guide to running and attending meetings

Article Tags:



Related Forum Posts
The 11-7-06 NEFA Meeting went very well! - The NEFA meeting held Tuesday November 7th went very well. The meeting was very well attended and Mary Tomzack of FranchiseHelp, Inc. presented her unique perspective in regards to franchising. Mary also distributed a copy of her book, "Tips & Traps of buying a franchise". The next NEFA meeting is January 23rd, when the IFA Chairman "Doc" Cohen, an American Cookie Company multi unit franchisee with make a presentation. I'll post more information when the date gets closer. Thank you!
Re: Books You Wish Had Been Written - How did I miss this topic for so long!! haa haa I love it. Ok - procrastinate constructively - I'd probably buy that but then put off reading it...haa haa Hmm...I think someone should write a book about being a sometimes reluctant entrepreneur, or perhaps the reality of business ownership and PMS as a woman in business. kidding aside...I have an extensive library but I would love to see a book that really lays out the emotional side of business ownership. What to prepare for etc. I get the tools and information from reading a lot of biographies but somedays, I would love to go to my library and pull out a reference for 'one the days you dont feel like being the Boss etc..."or 'how to keep your game face on for your staff when stuff doesnt go right. I had a meeting today with a prospect and he was really candid, he said "i want my business to be doing better but I'm not sure if I have it in me today...." Instead of a sales meeting - we went for a heart to heart entrepreneurship coffee. Best 'meeting' I have had in forever!!
Re: Marketing and PR ideas related to a Credit Organization - Hello GT Bulmer! I will answer your questions with great pleasure. As we use face to face marketing, our credit agents meet our customers very often, so it isn't problem to inform them about any action or meeting and stir them to come to the meeting area. And what about visual aids- i think i don't need to use them. Because in my opinion presentation will not be interesting for them at all. I think we have to organize a concert (or an interesting action) for them, to give some prizes, to make them have a wonderful time, but do it in such an original way which will make them to remember our organization and to become very loyal to our services. That is why now my aim is to invent such an original action which will be possible in villages. Thank you very much for feedback!
Hello, from Virginia Beach, Va - Hello everyone, My name is Cheree Owens CEO of Labs To Go. We provide Mobile Medical and Testing services in your home or place of business nationwide. I am happy to be on this forum surrounded by entrepreneur mindsets. I am interested in meeting new people to network with. I am also interested in meeting those interested in saving time and money, whether it's for yourself or your business. My vision led me to create Labs To Go because I seen a need. I have been in the Medical field for over 14 years and enjoy helping people. I am always open to new ideas and learning from others. My famous quote, "Success leaves clues." labstogo dot com
Re: Do you have a Mentor? - There are so many great ways to communicate, whether phone, teleconferencing, video feed etc - that most people can work together without meeting face to face. But, I've found some of that depends on the people involved. I've been fortunate to work with people in 6 different countries and obviously we couldn't meet in person, but my credibility was established when we met and I really think that helps the process. I've very accessible to clients by phone and email and we haven't had any problems. But, I've bid on projects for people who simply refuse to work with a person they can't meet with in person and they wouldn't even talk about their needs. Those experiences taught me that its critical to know what kind of person I'm talking with and then determine how much we can accomplish without meeting in person. Shri


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Maximum Impact Restaurant Greening

The True Cost of Employee Turnover

Resolving A Conflict Between Two Sales Staffs

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.