There’s a reason why so many big companies have cut meetings out of their days: they’re not as productive as people think, and let’s face it, they can be boring. However, the fact remains that many small business owners don’t have the same options as corporate entities: they simply need to keep meetings on the agenda. What then, is the solution? If you’re going to have meetings, then the trick is to make them interesting and memorable. And believe it or not, this isn’t as difficult as it sounds, as is noted below.

Establish Sensible Time Limits

There’s no reason to have your meetings go on longer than necessary; however, that’s what often happens. If what you have to discuss should take no more than 20 minutes, then there is no need for you to have attendees block out an entire hour. If you schedule an hour-long meeting because that’s the expected length of the discussion, then strive to have the meeting end at the one hour mark. Make a conscious effort to be respectful of other people’s calendar.

Add Variety to the Visuals

You’re going to see a lot of eyes glaze over if you’re handing out a black and white printed piece of paper at the beginning of each meeting. Instead, mix up your visuals and keep them interesting. There are plenty of colorful Google Slide themes that’ll make your presentation more visually appealing. You can also include photos, videos, and even music; anything that breaks away from what people usually expect from a meeting works wonders for engagement.

Increase Participation

Most of us can sit in a chair and be lectured to for just so long. No matter how intriguing the content may be, many people eventually begin to drift away and tune out. But an engaged participant? They’re unlikely to lose attention, especially if they know they may be called upon at any minute. Keep attendees involved. Ask questions, give them a platform to add to the discussion, rather than just being receivers of your message.

Bring the Fun

Work is work, but studies have shown time and again that people work better when they also have fun. At the beginning of each meeting, don’t just launch straight into business: have a social period that allows everyone to relax and catch up with one another. If you can think of ways to incorporate games into your meetings, then go ahead and do so.

Meeting boredom is prevalent in many companies. They are a part of business, but there are no laws that say they have to be stiff and mundane. Make a practice of being creative, engage your staff and begin to observe the lessened resistance to being present for them.

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