Six (6) Tips for a Productive Online Meeting

Work From Home started for most persons around March of this year. People have to get accustomed to this new norm of doing things Online. While I like somethings that are done online, I’m still trying to maneuver my way around online meetings. I’m not a very techy person I can help myself and I believe that there’s no problem that a Google search can’t fix.

Today, I had a very important meeting online and while most of my meetings have been via this medium I’m still trying to understand my way around things. It’s no longer sending a calendar invite to meet at a conference room or restaurant but it’s now let’s meet via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. It all boils down to preference and the platform that the organizer chooses.

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This is not my first stint with virtual meetings but today I had several glitches I believe going forward can be alleviated.

Here are some lessons that I learnt:

  1. Do a test run – Dont take it for granted that things will run smoothly. Several factors can influence how your meeting proceeds. Is your internet steady? Is your device that you’re going to connect with compatible with the platform the organizer chooses? A test run with someone using the link provided can make things a 100% better.
  2. Have your material ready: It’s important that you have the information that you’ll be presenting on in one area. Create a folder with the material also have a backup copy of your presentation just in case.
  3. Housekeeping: Face to Face they’re certain things that you’re not keen on doing but its sadly being done on a virtual platform. Before the start of your meeting ensure that its communicated across the board how the meeting will proceed – using the raise hand feature, muting their mics when they’re not on speaking to the group, utilizing the chat room instead of interrupting the speaker.
  4. Get Help: You’re not a robot. Its ok to ask for help. Make contact with It ahead of your meeting to go through any cliches that you may experience. You can also have someone monitor the chat while the meeting is going on, as well as, admiting persons into the meeting. Trust me, things will be ran more smoothly.
  5. Meeting Location: Most people have been home from early March. Working from home does have its perks as well as challenges. For a busy mom with child/ren , this could be a challenge. Your location for your meeting while you figure out your home situation is very important. If you’re not fortunate to have a home office I’d suggest your bedroom or living area. All you’ll need is a desk /iron board to rest your laptop, or tablet on facing a blank wall or curtains for backdrop. Sending your kids , pets outside or their rooms while your meeting is going on can make a world of a difference. Not everyone is as understanding as some when they hear your needy toddler asking for something.
  6. Record your meetings – All protocols observed. Do record your meetings just for reviewing and information purposes only. There are always lessons to be learnt from these proceedings.

How do you manage your virtual sessions? Which platform is your favourite? Do you have any other tips for conducting online meetings?

Let’s Chat.

Until Next Post

Dee…

Catch up on my last post Blogmas Day 16

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I am learning how to Code

This is new territory for me. I’ve been seeing a lot of videos on TikTok about coding and if you know me I am always up for a challenge and learning something new.

Do you know how to Code?

Have you ever wanted to learn?

Join me on my journey 2023

I want to be a Developer.

Let’s make it happen 😎

Xoxo

Dee

Under my Almond Tree

Sometimes the only thing you can do is sit still. I often just find myself sitting on a chair under the big almond tree in the back yard. I haven’t been out here in awhile. I created this corner so that whenever I feel lonely, trapped and or uncertain of my next move I’d just sit under the tree and some how a solution would find its way into my thoughts.

Nature does that for me. It soothes and calms my nerves. I’m not one to easily give up but lately I feel that it doesn’t matter what you do something will not be okay for some people. I need to just relax take things as they come, breathe and move on.

I am not perfect, I make tons of mistakes but in making my mistakes I truly see them as experiences. Everyday I am reminded that people are people. That phrase can be interpreted in so many ways. People are people and it doesn’t matter who you are, social status, sex, orientation etc.

Today was hectic, I still managed to get much work done. Thankfully I was alone in the office. Again being alone helps, I can hear my thoughts and I can focus more, they’re limited distractions.

So my almond tree corner in my back yard. I poured a glass of 🍷 and this is what true peace is. Being still and being one with nature. The problems will sort themselves out.

Here we go Again…

It wasn’t easy at first. Things were going great I had my plan and I was just taking things one day at a time. Shit happens and then you find yourself in limbo trying to decide do I take out this loan or do I cancel the subscription instead.

I don’t like starting something and not being able to complete it. I started out so good learning Spanish and French and then I just lost track of what was happening and completely stopped doing lessons. I no longer have the paid versions. The apps are still on my phone in the event I’m ever tempted to try and do a refresher.

It’s a new year, we’re almost in the month of March. So far so good, I’ve had several disappointments however I am not deterred. I am using these nos to make something of myself and situation. Hearing No can be very daunting.

It’s never easy I am in the middle of completing this degree and still find myself browsing the internet trying to find another course to complete. I must be crazy cause I did tell myself I am tired of the classroom. I just feel that the more information I have the more I will be able to help and serve.

I don’t know how I got here but I want to learn How to use Python. Yeah, this is a total stretch from Business Management. I am however excited to see what I can learn from it. Udemy currently has sales.

Be motivated, get up and get the work done.

Xoxo

Dee

Tis the Season!

As I walk the busy streets, I can hear the music sounding from a far. Shoppers moving bristly about their daily chores and window shopping. Across the street, people are busy making TikTok videos to the latest dance challenge.

It’s been a good run. We are in the 12th Month and while many things have happened and are happening I am great ful that I am able to share what has been going on.

Life happens, I am enrolled in school full time plus still working my busy and demanding job all while being a mom and wife. It works in its own chaotic way. School is very challenging I am learning a lot and doing pretty well being a straight A student.

My knowledge and appreciation has grown for scholars, educators and people that want to achieve and do marvelous things. Knowledge is indeed Power. I have learned so much in the few months that I have been in school. My discourse with counterparts are more enriching. I have no time for drama, never did but what I have noticed is that the more you grow the more you learn that people will be people. People Pleasers always finish last and will experience burn out.

Boundaries are important I preach it ever so often as well as practice it. I don’t answer my phone outside of work hours. I don’t respond to any form of work emails etc. I take my leave whenever I see the need and just shut myself away from anything that causes me stress. This has helped me significantly. Last year this time I was so stressed and burned out. Boundaries are good people, set them.

I do get the reminders to share on the blog however my schedule doesn’t allow as much free time as needed. I hope that you’re all doing well and you’ll have a holly jolly Christmas. Spend time with family and friends. If you’re going to be alone this Christmas volunteer at a children’s home visit the zoo, adopt a pet just so that you can take your mind off things.

Hopefully I will return before the year ends if not Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy prosperous New Year.

Xoxo

Dee

Get out of your Comfort Zone

Hello Friends,

Mandatory Work from Home is over and we are all back at work. That’s just one of the many things that has been happening since I last touch base with you guys.

I also have some good news that I would like to share. I am back at school. I haven’t been back in the classroom since I completed my first degree some 12 years ago. It’s fully online and has a flexible arrangement that caters to busy work moms like myself. I’ve complted one class since module 1 started. They’re six (6) modules. The class sessions have been engaging and I am learning so much that will help me with my work.

It has been almost two (2) years since I’ve been home. This mandate of going back to the office will have me doing a complete mind change and adjustment. The morning traffic, arranging activities for my son and everything else. Personally I feel I get much more work done when I am home and I am given a more flexi work arrangement.

Covid-19 is still around everyday there is a new update from the CDC. We still have to be very careful because a cure has not yet been found. Are you guys seeing what’s happening in the world right now, the war between Russia and UkraineRussia Ukraine Updates. I have been reading the blogs, watching the tweets and seeing the news and its horrifying. My heart goes out to all those who are affected by it.

In life you will have time when your comfort zone is disrupted however, it is for us to regroup and refocus. Change is not always a bad thing. Figure out what works and make things happen for you. Take charge of the situation if you can, instead of sitting and complaining make something of it. I may have to readjust my work schedule but I am looking on the bright side – I can focus on keeping a more active life. Going back to work full time allows me create new opportunies. Keeping a positive mindset and eventually positive outcomes will happen.

Have you life ever been disrupted because of a situation? How did you handle it?

Share with me in the comments.

Until next post….

Dee xoxo