There is nothing that I hate more than being on a call for 5 minutes before it starts only to have it break down into a chat-fest in the location of origin where people talk over each other and you can not make out what they say or who is talking.  Sometimes it seems that they forget you are even on the phone and begin to talk in a lower voice.

In order to prevent this from happening, I have some tips and suggestions gathered from my year of having many conference call type meetings per day. 

Here are my suggestions to keep these meetings run effectively;

1) Begin every call with a quick round of self introductions so that everyone can find out who is present and hear everyone else’s voice.  That way is someone is not talking loud enough they can be moved closer to the speaker phone.

2) Enforce the rule of “one speaker at a time.”  If the conversation breaks down to the point that there are sidebar conversations or worse, multiple conversations, then control needs to be brought back to the meeting before it can ruin the meeting and everyone loses focus.  Control could be kept by commenting on issues being discussed not on topic in the following manner; If someone introduces an idea that seems unrelated, say, “That sounds interesting. How does that relate to the issue?”  If it does not relate it should be dropped or discussed in another meeting.

3) Insist that people announce when they join or leave the meeting unless they arrive late.  If that is the case they should wait for the chair of the meeting to ask who joined.  It is always polite to announce when you have to leave a meeting so that no one will be calling for you, not knowing where you are or when you left.  And if people have to leave during the meeting, by announcing it, it allows the chair to gain closure on any issues that they participated in before they leave.  Reminding someone who is leaving a meeting of an assigned task not only reminds that person by also the minute taker and the rest of the people on the call.

4)  Take minutes of the meeting.  Taking minutes encourages people to make meaningful comments. Of course, it can be difficult chairing the meeting and taking minutes at the same time.  Get help if needed.

5) Get the meeting participants to get used to stating their names before they speak.  This helps everyone know that you are speaking.

6) If you are speaking on your desk phone, use the handset instead of the speakerphone. A speakerphone, while useful, distorts your voice, picks up background sounds (like you typing on your computer), and makes a poor impression on everyone on the call. If you must have both hands free while you talk, I recommend a headset.  If you must do work at your computer and you will be typing, put the call on mute when you are not speaking because that distracts others and gives the impression you are not paying attention.

7) Speak clearly right into the phone in order to make sure that you are understood. Take the extra effort to enunciate carefully and speak slowly. Of course, you want to sound natural.

Bonus note:  When stating numbers, write them out while you speak because that defines the rate at which everyone else is capturing them.

I’m so excited! I’m blogging while I’m on the AdvoCare Legacy Team Training Call!  This is an amazing call!  Tonja and Bengie Parr and Donna Cash are giving us great tools to help us make the most of our holidays with AdvoCare.   If you made the call,  your equipped to get thru the next 60 days.  You’ll be able to celebrate the season and all that entails and maintain your momentum.  For some of you, it’s all about product results!  Personal product use and product results for your clients.  For most American’s the holidays are really challenging in the area of diet and self-control.  But with AdvoCare, whether you need to lose weight, have more energy or simply maintain the product results you’ve already received there’s no reason you can reach your goals!    But for some of us, it’s about more than the products.  It’s about building a business that can pay us for the rest of our lives.  A place where we not only help our families by improving our prospects for the future but a place where we can make a positive difference for others.   It’s not too late for you and your family to enjoy a cash Christmas this year.  If you’re motivated to build a business here and earn extra income with AdvoCare this is the best time to PRESS ON  and get yourself set for a a great 2010!  Go AdvoCare Legacy Team!

This morning you all missed an amazing conference call!  Twila featured a guest couple who are distributors.  They gave great advice on how to manage your Ardyss business and also sustain a healthy family life!

Be sure to dial in on her daily inspirational calls at 8 am !  See “Conference Calls” for Dial in Number and Code.

There are daily conference calls available for you to learn information on how to grow  your business.  Make sure you catch at least one a week!  It makes a difference.  Learn from your peers and increase your sales!

Inspirational Call
Twiler Portis
Monday – Friday
8 AM EST
(218) 936-4700
Access code: 656808

Live Testimonies
Monday 1:30 PM EST
Tuesday 9 PM EST
Wednesday 1:30 PM EST
Thursday 9 PM EST
Friday 1:30 PM EST
(713) 300-0182
Access code: 039303
Backup number: (865) 291-0488

Corporate Call
Compensation Plan Training w/Q&A
Mike Potillo
Wednesday
10 PM EST
(212) 990-8000
Access code: 1111

GO Platinum Business Training
Business and Product Training
Saturday
11 AM EST
(713) 300-0182
Access code: 039303
Backup number: (865) 291-0488

If you work in an environment where the majority of your meetings are via conference call, you find there is always a delay in getting the meeting started because there is a reminder sent out via email 5 minutes before the meeting and then if that reminder is snoozed, the next reminder comes at the time the meeting is scheduled to begin.  Leaving to call in at that point would make you late.  So if you are chairing the meeting, you wind up penalizing those who came prepared to start at the start time while waiting for the stragglers.

Here are some of my suggestions for starting meetings on time!

1) Plan for it. Put the arrival time on the agenda. For example, for a meeting scheduled to start at 9:00 AM, you could put “8:50 AM – - – Arrive at the Meeting” at the top of the agenda. An arrival time is useful because it allows everyone time to socialize, obtain coffee, or organize materials before the meeting. It also ensures everyone is present at the scheduled starting time.

2) Set an example. Dial in to meetings you schedule before they are scheduled to start.  Use this time to chat with the early birds and allow them to ask questions prior to the meeting that thy may be afraid to ask in a big group.  And you can greet the attendees as they arrive. This helps you appear in control of the meeting process from the beginning. And of course, arrive at everyone else’s meetings on time.

3) Make it easy. Schedule your meetings to begin at odd times, such as 9:10 AM. This allows everyone who was in a one-hour meeting that began at 8:00 AM to run to the bathroom, check their email and put out any fires before jumping on your call.  Similarly, end your meetings at least ten minutes before the next hour so that the attendees have time to do the same before their next meeting.

4) Promote punctuality. Send a memo or an email stressing the importance of arriving on time. Call key attendees to remind them about the starting time for the meeting.  Try to find some reason to be on time, such as asking a senior level executive to make an opening remark, then allowing them to drop off the call, because they are busy, and it sets the tone from the top.

5) Expect promptness. If the meeting is for your team only, you can tell people that they are expected to be on time and tie it into their performance appraisls, or ask your manager to stress it from one level above.  Similarly, arrive on time to demonstrate your commitment.

6) Be realistic. Realize that some people are beyond coaching because of their attitude or relationship with you. Also, recognize that it is impossible to guarantee that everyone will always arrive on time at every meeting. There will always be emergencies, surprises, and those few who refuse to cooperate.

To make this approach the norm you need buy-in from senior management. 

Good luck!

Efusjon has rolled out their new comp plan with revised and upped percentages throughout the whole plan! They have included signing bonuses in the mix as well and yeah… By the way, their drinks are amazing in themselves. Check out these couple of links here to get the low down on one of the countries most exciting and fasting growing companies.
Comp Plan Link

If you are thinking you might want to join but want a little more info, click on the info link.
Efusjon Information Link

If you are ready to join click on this LINK

Efusjon has rolled out their new comp plan with revised and upped percentages throughout the whole plan! They have included signing bonuses in the mix as well and yeah… By the way, their drinks are amazing in themselves. Check out these couple of links here to get the low down on one of the countries most exciting and fasting growing companies.
Comp Plan Link

If you are thinking you might want to join but want a little more info, click on the info link.
Efusjon Information Link

If you are ready to join click on this LINK

REPLAY!!

1-712-775-7099  Access Code 884536#

Replay available 24/7 from now until close of Pay Period, November 3rd, 2009.

We heard you!  Back by popular demand, we’re providing a replay of our last Mixer Call.  This call was first heard on October 19.  We received so many positive comments to the stories, so we’re bringing the call back for a re-do!

These stories were very inspiration.  We heard over and over how people identified not only with the people who told their story, but the details.  They felt like they were listening to their own life stories.  That kind of connection is powerful.

So who else do you know that will relate to these stories?  Who did you invite to the call, but they missed it for some reason?  We have a second chance to load it up!

• Elite performance - it could be a life-saver!  Hear how a law enforcement/military trainer is helping people perform better everyday
• 20# off… with incredible changes in health and wellness…a touching story with a life hanging in the balance
• RN, Critical Care Nurse ….what happen’s when life turns in a surprise direction.  How does $4-600 extra per month literally put food on the table?

• What does a 10 year old AdvoCare business look like and how does it affect how a father relates with his children

And closed by -    Todd Cash! 

Click here to learn how to work a mixer call!

• invite on the call
• 3-way into the call
• speaker phone into the call

Be sure your team is doing the same and LOAD IT UP!!

Hey Team AdvoCare!

The ALT Training Call was awesome last Wednesday night!  Everyone that got on the call truly benefited and had so many encouraging words.  We heard from people all over the country!  We knew immediately, however that we had a “issue” with the call.  As the call kicked off we were getting texts, emails and calls telling us that the number wasn’t working.  We wish we could blame it on technical problems….but instead it was human error!  Ouch!  We sent out some emails with the number transposed!  We sincerely apologize for the mistake and the inconvenience we caused you!  However, modern technology has saved the day!  Yes, the call was recorded.  Yea!  So you can still listen to the call if you missed it.  It’s an awesome call for anyone who has made the decision to build an AdvoCare business!  It is so unusual for us to record a call, but here you go…feel free to pass it on and use it as often as you’d like!  Just FYI – there is about 40 seconds of silence on the front of this recording. 

Go AdvoCare Legacy Team!

Here is Rob Towles latest conference call with super positive reinforcement about efusjon’s drink, plan and life changes… check out the link!

Click Here!

Click on the media tab then conference calls.

Message me with any questions.

Listen to new and exciting news from Rob Towles and other heavy hitters in efusjon. These are pre-recorded conference call every Monday that update you on the latest efusjon news and tools to grow your business. Check out the latest one from Rob Towles on 10-20-09.

https://www.myefusjon.com/events.asp

 

Who’s on the call?
 

• Elite performance - it could be a life-saver!  Hear how a law enforcement/military trainer is helping people perform better everyday

• 20# off… with incredible changes in health and wellness…a touching story with a life hanging in the balance

• RN, Critical Care Nurse ….what happen’s when life turns in a surprise direction.  How does $4-600 extra per month literally put food on the table?

• What does a 10 year old AdvoCare business look like and how does it affect how a father relates with his children

• Fireman, Teacher, Coach, odd jobs…how does that lead to a business that pays $1 Million annually?

How to use a mixer call…

First, make a list of people you know that you think would benefit from learning more about Advocare, that might include:

• People who would like more energy, to manage their weight better,  to get into better shape, to improve their health, to perform better

• People who are working more than 1 job, someone who wants to be a stay at home mom, people who want to earn more money/get out of debt

• Your new retail customers and wholesale customers

• New advisors on your team

Then start inviting….drop them an email w/call details, but more importantly invite them with a personal phone call or face to face.   If you can get your guests on products or sample them before the call it will speed up the process for you.  Then, remember shortly before the call, make a quick reminder call to be sure the have the correct number and pass code.  People really intend to listen in, but they are busy so they will appreciate a reminder. 

Then, VERY IMPORTANT  for business builders, be sure your team is doing the same thing!  Remember, duplication is the key

If you were on the mixer call, Monday Oct 5th, you and your guests heard some great stories first hand.  We heard two awesome product stories one by Sonya McWilliams, TX, Legacy Team member and fitness professional. Sonya completely transformed herself.  You’ll be blown away by her photos!  In addition we heard from Roger Lamadrid, GA, Walton County Teacher of the Year and retail customer of  Tonja & Bengie Parr.  Roger has lost over 200#, but that’s just the beginning of the story!    Check back soon for his before and after photos. 

In addition, we heard two exciting business stories.  Bryon Hanawalt, OKC, business owner of a formal wear business.  Bryon is  already very successful and sees AdvoCare as a great opportunity to give him options.   After just a few short months of working his AdvoCare business he’s earning about $1,500 per month working part time.  No where near what his goals are, but a great start. Bryon worked with one of his upline sponsors Glenda Hendrickson, OK.  Glenda and David are successful leaders at AdvoCare earning about $250,000 their first 3 years in the business.   Not only have they built a great business, but they’ve helped others do the same.  

The call was closed by Todd Cash, TX.  Todd and his wife Donna,  influence people all across America.  They are Diamond Distributors and AdvoCare Hall of Fame Members.  Todd encouraged people to evaluate where they are today and then to take action so that AdvoCare could provide some solutions for them and their family.

Go AdvoCare Legacy Team!

Your business English vocabulary today is

DETAILED –

in allen Einzelheiten

detailliert

ausführlich

Hören Sie einen MP3-Audio-Unterricht hier

Mehr Information

September 30, 2009 (with guest Jay Duque)
9:00pm ET
(712) 432-7518
PIN 52694#

October 7, 2009
9:00pm ET
(712) 432-7518
PIN 52694#

October 14, 2009
9:00pm ET
(712) 432-7518
PIN 52694#

October 21, 2009
9:00pm ET
(712) 432-7518
PIN 52694#

October 28, 2009
9:00pm ET
(712) 432-7518
PIN 52694#

November 4, 2009
9:00pm ET
(712) 432-7518
PIN 52694#

Photo taken by clagnut

Face to Face meetings is one of the cornerstones of “Doing Business in Japan”.

When the world has already switched to virtual meeting rooms and WebEx conferences Calls, Japanese still rely heavily on meeting face to face.  I do believe face to face meetings provide a better mean of communication. But when one of the attendees (guess who… the Supplier) has to travel more than two hours (one way) for a 30 minutes discussion in the lobby, it is just a waste of valuable time.

Every meeting in Japan is started by saying: “Thank you for meeting us in such a busy time”. The customer just went down to the lobby when the supplier is switching trains, running around just to make it on time.

Around Tokyo you can see many sales personnel on their way for meetings, waiting for meetings (in cafes), working on benches (when they can find one). How much time is being wasted when a simple conference call could have achieved the same result.

Japanese businesses have to become more efficient and value the time of their employees.

Yes, I know… very cheesy title.  I really couldn’t think of anything else.  Regardless of the title, the beginning of this week has been very eventful so far.  During Monday’s class, we were given another series of to-do-list by our educators.  Not a very hard list, like last week’s, but lengthy enough.  I’ll summarize them for you in the following:

• Create Wiki accounts on MDC and wikimo
• Consider creating a Twitter account in conjunction with your blog
• Dial-in to a Mozilla status call
• Join a Mozilla mailing list
• Comment on another student’s blog
• Watch online lectures/readings
• Complete lab by Friday

So… not too hard at all.  At this point, I’ve crossed out the ones I’ve done.  But, I’m going to begin by telling you about the item on that list I was most excited about doing… the Mozilla status call.

I’ve been on conference calls before, working at Smart Systems for Health Agency (which merged with eHealth Ontario) over summers in my first couple of years in Seneca.  So, I wasn’t really nervous to begin with… maybe a little anxious.  David emailed us on the day the call was taking place.  I hadn’t had a chance to look at the scheduled calls at that point, and I should’ve done so sooner because I found out that most of the conference calls happens earlier in the week.  So, I was a little unprepared for it but managed to squeeze in the time to be on the call.  I was even a little early and found time to check how the phone system worked (testing the *1 to unmute).  David informed me to join the IRC #planning channel as they would be using it as well.  As can be seen in the picture below, there were plenty of people in the IRC channel during the beginning of the call.  However when I called in, the system told me there were 18 other people on the line.  Therefore, I’m thinking most of the other people on that channel were mostly just idling.  The amount of callers later rises up to 43 people, when my late friend called-in and informed me of the number.

Amount of users in #planning channel during the beginning of the call

It was an interesting setup.  Most of the time, there was one speaker detailing their issues/comments/resolutions on the topic at hand. People also discussed ideas on IRC while there was a speaker.  It gives a bit of freedom for everyone else, even with a solitary speaker talking about more important things.  The general atmosphere in the meeting wasn’t heavy-laden either… especially in IRC.  The following joke was told when doing the Blocker report on IRC.

[14:05] <jimb> Aren’t beta-blockers a class of drugs?
[14:05] <bsmedberg> so are alpha-blockers!

There was also a detailed outline on the items they would be covering… it was posted (require Google login for link) on the Mozilla Planning Group (require Google login for link) in Google Groups.  Even with the outline, I was a little lost throughout most of the call.  I am a little apprehensive in saying this, but I was having a hard time keeping up with some of the subjects they were talking about.  I may still be a little disoriented now, if it wasn’t reading my friend’s, Nadim, post on the subject.  I looked up a link he had on his post, which involved the meeting’s minutes.  Written down and with plenty of links, the meeting was easier for me to follow.  I suppose I’ll have to do a bit of research on past meetings before my next chance at listening-in.

Continuing on my to-do list, I joined two mailing lists that interested me.  The Firefox application development list and the mobile platform development list.  Those were the two lists that most interested me.  Now, I’m not completely sure how they work.  Reading over some of the mail I received, it seems to me that their development conversations between certain people and these conversations get shared to everyone on the list.  I believe you can also participate in said conversations, but you would have to reply to the mailing list in order to do so.  Someone correct me if I’m wrong please, which is very likely.

On to the final item that I’ve completed on my to-do list.  The item is creating an account on the Mozilla Development Centre (or MDC) and Mozilla wiki (aka wikimo).  I’ve also created profiles on them that link back to my email and this blog.  On that note, I will finish up the rest of the items on my list closer to the end of the week.  I have taken a quick look through the article by/in Ars Technica.  It looks promising and has me excited about reading it.  In fact, I’ll probably do that right after this post!

Today’s business English vocabulary is

compulsory  obligatorisch / verpflichtend

Hören Sie einen MP3-Audio-Unterricht hier

Mehr Information

Geschäftsenglisch/ Vokabular/ Vokabel