The Art of Booking Meetings: The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Awkwardness

Ever find yourself trapped in the dreaded cycle of "Can we book a meeting?" Ah yes, the classic corporate conundrum. Booking a meeting is like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded while being chased by a swarm of angry bees—confusing, stressful, and a little bit dangerous. But fear not! Here’s your ultimate guide to booking meetings without losing your sanity or your social life.

Step 1: Choose the Right Platform

First things first, before you even think about booking a meeting, choose the right platform. Are you sending an email? Using a calendar app? Or are you resorting to smoke signals? No judgment here, but it’s 2023 and smoke signals might not be the most reliable.

Platforms like Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook can help keep your calendar organized, but let’s be honest, they can also turn into a digital nightmare. You’ll find yourself in a "meeting about meetings" situation quicker than you can say "double-booked!"

Step 2: Make It Fun!

Meetings often get a bad rap, but who says you can’t spice them up? Instead of the usual "Let’s discuss quarterly reports" (YAWN), try something bolder. How about "Join me for a virtual coffee date to talk about how we can save the world through synergy?"

This not only breaks the ice but also ensures that everyone remembers why they signed up for this meeting in the first place!

Step 3: Find the Right Time

Now comes the trickiest part: finding the right time. Everyone has different schedules, and it might sometimes feel like you’re trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Pro tip: use scheduling tools like Doodle or When2meet. These handy platforms can help you discover the elusive "golden hour" when everyone is available.

Step 4: Keep It Short and Sweet

In the age of TikTok, nobody has the patience for a three-hour presentation. Aim for a 30-minute meeting maximum. And remember, if you find yourself saying, "Let’s circle back to this later," for the third time, it’s time to wrap it up.

Step 5: Follow Up Like a Boss

Post-meeting, don’t ghost people! Follow up with a summary of what was discussed and any action items. This not only shows you care but keeps everyone accountable. It’s like sending a cute text after a first date—nobody wants to be left on read!

Conclusion: Make Booking Meetings Great Again

Booking a meeting doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. With these steps, you can glide through the process like a pro, avoiding the awkwardness that usually comes with it. And who knows? You might even turn those meetings into exciting opportunities to connect with colleagues and friends alike.

So the next time you’re faced with a "Can we book a meeting?" don’t panic. Just remember these tips, and let the meeting magic unfold!

Happy booking!

Isabella Hughes, Blog Writer, AntiLand Team