Business meetings are a part of doing business. There’s no way around them. And unfortunately, these meetings can often be dry, boring and yawn-inspiring. Whether it’s a weekly staff meeting or a monthly sales gathering, it’s easy to find attendees wishing they were any place else but sitting around a desk. So what can you do to spice up your business meetings and make them more eventful? Here are some business meeting tips to help make your next meeting a hit: Set the tone. Let attendees know that it’s okay to have some fun. As long as the objectives are being met, set the tone early on and let everyone know it’s okay to laugh, interact and enjoy the moment. Set the atmosphere. Be creative with your meetings. Consider playing upbeat music before you get started, introduce a “water cooler” topic as people get settled in, or share a funny anecdote or story. When people are allowed to relax and enjoy the moment, they are often more interactive, enthusiastic and productive. Get ‘em thinking. Sometimes a simple exercise or activity at the beginning of a meeting can help those brain cells get active. Present a quick puzzle, trivia question or brain teaser to the group as you start off the meeting. Offer a silly or inexpensive prize to the winner, like a candy bar, notepad or treat. Such activities can become “traditions” for your meetings, and they can become meeting highlights that attendees look forward to. Give thanks. Always remember to set aside time during the meeting to show appreciation for everyone in the room. Thank them for coming to the meeting, acknowledge any special efforts or achievements by staff or colleagues, and recognize any goals that have been achieved. Provide props. Keep a basket or tray on the desk or table with fun “toys” to play with. Think stress balls, nerf balls, classic toys, random trinkets from kids meals, paddle balls or silly objects. These can help break the ice, keep adults engaged in the conversation, and stimulate participation. Spread the responsibility. Consider assigning different meetings to be headed by different staff members. Let them take the lead for the discussion or objective at hand. Just be careful to designate this responsibility to people who are capable of keeping the meeting productive and on task. Business meetings are a must when it comes to running your company, but they don’t have to be boring or nondescript. With a little forethought and planning, you can have productive and even enjoyable events. | 
