Calendly

Want to run meetings like a top-performing sales rep? Use these 7 tips: 1. Define Clear Meeting Objectives Mentally prepare by setting a clear objective for each meeting that aligns with your goals and adds value for all attendees. Use this ICU approach to #EarnTheRight to your prospect's time and attention: ➡️Identify the desired outcome, like making a decision or aligning on a project.   ➡️Create mutual value by addressing both your objectives and attendees’ needs.   ➡️Understand attendees’ interests by considering their challenges and goals. 2. Set a Great Agenda Share an agenda at least a day in advance. Include key topics and how time will be used. Agendas help everyone stay focused and engaged, avoid wasting time, and streamline follow-up. 3. Book Follow-Up Meetings Before Ending the Current Call Top-performing reps always secure the next meeting before ending the current one. Once you agree on a time, use Calendly's browser extension to instantly lock in the next meeting on everyone's calendar. For smooth handoffs, you can even book the follow-up meeting on behalf of a teammate, like an SE or sales manager, right from the extension. Securing the next step while discussions are fresh keeps the momentum going. 4. Customize Meeting Reminders   Send customized reminders to ensure prospects show up. Nobody likes getting ghosted. With #Calendly, I send email reminders 2 days and 3 hours before the meeting, including the agenda and why the meeting is valuable to them. Reminding prospects of the meeting’s purpose reinforces its value. 5. Research to Ensure Meeting Preparation    Thorough research is essential. Understand your prospect's business and challenges to tailor the conversation, build trust, and demonstrate your expertise. Top-performing reps ensure that every meeting is also valuable to the prospect. 6. Encourage Feedback and Adaptability Top-performing reps, start meetings by confirming the agenda with attendees. Check-in throughout the meeting to gauge engagement and adjust as needed. Be sure to ask open-ended questions and encourage conversation. This step is crucial, especially if you use slides. 7. Follow Up with Clear Action Items    End with a summary of decisions and next steps. Assign clear action items with due dates to ensure accountability. Clear follow-up drives progress and maintains deal momentum. Want to run #BetterMeetings? Download Calendly’s free browser extension: https://bit.ly/4dX0X5H #CalendlyCollab

It’s safe to say we’ve all been in a bad meeting or two (or a thousand). But meetings aren't going anywhere, so how can we make them better and more productive? I took this question to my team at Calendly and encouraged them to think through every step of the meeting process — from always sending an agenda beforehand to setting clear next steps. I shared those thoughts with Fast Company on how we can — and should — rethink today's meeting culture. Let me know what you think! #BetterMeetings