Step-by step approach to writing meeting minutes

From ArticleWorld

Keeping track of minutes when attending a meeting is important. The minutes recorded can lets one know what took place during the meeting. Think about it, if there were no minutes recorded then how will one be able to keep abreast of the topics discussed in regular or client meetings.

First things first

1. First, remember to bring a pen and notebook to the meeting.
2. second, writes down who is attending the meeting
3. Third, the meeting must have some kind of purpose, choose one. For example, this meeting deals with How to generate more clients.
4. Fourth, don't try to write down everything that is said, focus on only the important (key) points in the meeting.
5. Fifth, note agreements and any special planning that is taking place. Basically, write down who is talking, what they are talking about, and when they said they were going to do something.
6. Sixth, if you miss or get confuse about anything simply ask. Ask to have your draft read back to you or for some type of contact information.
7. Seven, again, if you are confused by anything, ask someone right away even before the meeting is over.
8. Eight, once the meeting is done, start working on a draft because you don't want to have forgotten anything as we tend to do as time passes.
9. Ten, always put the purpose of the meeting, date, the time it took place, where it took place and the name of everyone that attended.
10. Eleven, divide your draft so that you are numbering and listing important points that were discussed and the way it was to be handled. All topics that are alike, group together and put under one heading (all points dealing with “Company Insurance”) all go under that section.)
11. Twelve, make sure you proofread your rough copy, afterwards mail it to the people who attended the meeting.

Advice

You will want to sit as close as possible to the person who is conducting the meeting. They might have something important to put it and that needs to get added in the minutes. Remember to write down what was dealt with well doing the meeting, and not just the problems. Itemize your draft so that it is formatted by: issues talk about, persons responsible, the dates that were agreed upon, and when the problems will be resolved. Finally, don't try to record everything that takes place within the meeting, it is an impossible task.