Developing feelings of dread over attending meetings is almost a rite of passage for members of the business community. Rather than join the chorus of naysayers, try these techniques to get more out of your meetings and make them work for you.

You’ll find that these same techniques will enhance any event that you must attend such that each becomes a more fruitful experience. More than likely, you know that you will be more efficient if you improve your organizational skills. What you probably did not realize is that, by doing something as straightforward as using magnetic label holders, you can help to keep your appointments and events organized.

Prepare Properly

Take a moment to figure out what you want to gain from a meeting. Typical goals include to:

• Make a sale
• Establish contacts
• Promote your business
• Learn how to do something new
• Coordinate with team members

If you have met with the same group in the past, gather past agendas and memorandums to give you a guide for what to do for the current session. For example, you can determine what materials you are expected to bring. Use magnetic label holders to identify the items. The information you put on the labels can identify the items or describe how and when you want to use them.

Manage your time

Use magnetic frames in conjunction with a calendar to track your preparation for an event. As an example, use the frame to hold a list of things that you need to accomplish by a certain day. Place the frame on the space for that day on a large wall calendar. Use as many frames as you need to keep yourself motivated and on track to complete all of your goals.

Sort the materials

Magnetic label holders are useful for sorting and identifying any number of items to distribute at or prepare for a meeting, including:

• Posters
• Binders
• Certificates
• Promotional pens, mugs or t-shirts
• Flyers

Keep these items on shelves, in storage lockers or in filing cabinets. Use magnetic frames to store short documents, certificates and permits, where you can access them easily before your appointment. If items are labeled, you will always know where they are located and you gain flexibility with where you need to store them.

It is paramount that you can find what you need without devoting too much time and effort to the process. As an added benefit, by keeping clear, easy-to-read labels on all of your materials, you will also be able to handle impromptu sessions, or last minute changes in an agenda.

With a little bit of effort, you can get more out of every one of your appointments or events. In addition, you can develop a reputation as someone who does not waste other people’s time. The goodwill you can establish by being known as someone who is effective and efficient is an invaluable asset at any stage of your career.