Project management consultancy is about 'getting things done'
As a project management consultant specialised in the complexity of vast project portfolios for mid- and large-sized companies, I have many meetings with one main goal: get into action right away, when the meeting is over. Running in and out many meetings per day, it is crucial for my output and my results to take notes immediately, ensure we are all on the same plate, and agree on 'who does what’ before the end of each meeting.

Start your online meetings 10 minutes past the hour
Online meetings require a new discipline. Participants often run late, looking for the link or setting up cam and audio. Plan your meeting 5-10 minutes after the hour, e.g. start at 9h10. And, finish 5 min before the hour, e.g. 9h55. Since most people will book the entire hour in their calendar, chances are that you can start on time. Also, do let them know that you already open the meeting room on the hour to socialize.

Easy follow-up of many stakeholder meetings
As an external Data Protection Officer (DPO) for SMEs, I am coordinating the privacy processes for various clients. For each client I have to get in touch with many external stakeholders, such as web builders, communications agencies, suppliers, etc. The contact with each of the external stakeholders is rather short, but yet, I have to ensure that they understand what information and what documents I need to receive from them – and be sure they do as we agreed. That’s why I need Flxion.

Synchronous meetings require clear agreements on paper
Meeting with a team about the status of projects and tasks and taking decisions that need to get implemented. That is a synchronous meeting. All attendees are agreeing on the conclusions and know their duties when they leave. If you note the conclusions and allocate tasks, then the team can make (the right) progress.

A huge time-saver for this busy advisor
Whatever meeting I have, I always liked to share a small report with concrete todo’s for all the attendees once the meeting is over. But since I am running from one meeting to the other, many of those small reports are still awaiting fifteen extra minutes of my time. Now I share my notes with the attendees during the meeting. By the end of the meeting, the report is ready, and we all know what was agreed. This is such a time-saver !

Keeping track of the decisions
I am the core administrative person for many teams. In the current situation, my colleagues work from home, so our meetings are online. For me it is very important to be able to keep track of the decisions in each of the online meetings, and to understand what tasks are expected to be ready by when - and by who. That information is always available at once in the online reports.

Getting things done, is even more relevant now
Every activity is under increasing pressure. The daily series of back-to-back meetings, make it almost impossible to keep all promises. I advise following the “getting things done” methodology and support it with the right tooling. Then use the same moment every week to reflect on your planning, and reshuffle the tasks some days ahead.

How to make your sales force immune to corona
The ‘wining and dining’ times are over. Every lead and every hour counts now more than ever. Your team’s difference can be made in each online call with a prospect. Your sales get one hour - or less. Have them prepare a clear agenda. Have them take and share notes during the call, for instant needs alignment. And, ensure there is a ‘hook’ at the end of the meeting to a follow-up call.

Regular reporting doubles the investor’s ROI
As an investor, you should ask your startup to inform you on a regular basis, using the same format all the time. That way, you get a better understanding of the project, and you can really help where needed. Research has proven regular reporting to double the investor’s ROI.

Transparent communications keep investors engaged
Startup entrepreneurs have many tasks at hand. Investor relations is only one of them. An important one, though. It keeps the investors engaged. It builds trust with them, and have them help to get the first results - or add extra funds. Frequent reporting using the same format in every meeting helps to keep the investors on board, and interested to help.