Increase Meeting Productivity: The Idea Parking Lot
Many meetings fail at generating desired outcomes because of lack of structure. If a clear agenda isn’t presented, and followed, expectations are not clear and it becomes easy to divert from the original goal.
One way to help facilitate meetings that don’t get derailed is by using an idea parking lot.
The idea parking lot is where you put any discussions or topics that arise, but aren’t pertinent to the task at hand. This is sometimes called “tabling” the conversation. When you “park” an idea, you’re recognizing that the contribution is important but isn’t relevant to the meeting topic.
However, if you park an idea and never retrieve it, the person who provided the input feels devalued, often resulting in a decrease in performance.
To take this metaphor further, I propose both short-term and long-term parking.
Short-term parking
This parking lot is for conversations and ideas that need to be retrieved in order to successfully evaluate or complete the team’s original charge or goal. This parking lot is often a bit more chaotic, as ideas are coming in and out more frequently, and can easily take up unnecessary time in your meetings if you don’t curb them quickly. With ideas that are related to the task at hand, but not essential given the meeting agenda, it’s important to short-term park the conversation to meet the original meeting objectives and then retrieve the idea shortly thereafter.
Long-term parking
This parking lot is for conversations and ideas that need to be retrieved after the original goal is met. If an idea comes up that is an important contribution, but isn’t necessary to complete the team’s original charge, put it in long-term parking. Make sure the person whose idea is being parked knows a time and a place to bring the conversation back to the surface.
This general structure helps you recognize contributions from each team member, while still keeping the meeting on track and accomplishing goals.
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Microphone.
Audio. Is. Everything. Make sure to invest in a good one. This one blows my mind again and again. I reported from the center of Times Square, New York City and you could hear every word I said clearly with this mic. Worth every penny.
Lighting.
After audio, lighting is essential. I love this kit. It’s a little bulky, but if I can make it work in my 95 square foot space, you can likely make it work anywhere for you!
Backdrop.
I love my backdrop paper. If you have a bigger space you could use fabric, but I think the paper looks sharp and it’s very flat (no wrinkles). If you’re going to have a permanent set-up, I’d really suggest going this way. I’m using “Fashion Grey” as my color. There are many others. But this is the exact roll I bought.
Other Backdrop.
I just ordered a green screen backdrop to go on the other wall, in case I want to get more creative. Here’s exactly what I ordered (same paper and brand, just a different color).
Some video samples (shot on my phone, with the exact set up above).
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On February 25th at the Global Speakers Summit in Auckland, New Zealand, this was the topic of one of two sessions I was asked to present. Unfortunately, family circumstances kept me from traveling, but thanks to the organizers, I was able to deliver the content virtually with the help of my friend and brilliant speaker Ilja Grzeskowitz.
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I have just one favor to ask of you…please…pretty please…
If you decide to get a product you learned about here, would you be kind enough to click the links below and purchase from them? It goes to Amazon. Gives you the same price you’d get searching for the item yourself. But it tells Amazon that my site is referring them traffic and they like me better and give me a small percentage to say thank you. Plus, these stats are important to me as I try to pitch my services to companies.
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Recommended (and other) Products
| Lavalier (Clip-On) Mic Options | ||||
| Sennheiser ClipMic digital Mobile Recording Microphone for iOS Devices Yes. It’s $190. But worth it. My absolute favorite mic. And it’s so tiny that it travels anywhere. The quality is superb (as you’ll see in the video) and you’ll find yourself using it way more than you think…believe me… | Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone [1/8″ (3.5mm)] + Windscreen, Tie-Clip, Mount and Carrying Pouch Mid-range budget (about $70). If you’re not ready to drop $190 on a mic yet, here’s a less expensive option for you. I haven’t tested it yet, but the reviews are pretty good. | Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone Omnidirectional Mic with Easy Clip On System Perfect for Recording Youtube / Interview / Video Conference / Podcast / Voice Dictation / iPhone For an even cheaper budget option, this mic has great reviews. I haven’t tested it, but it’s a good place to get started and will be better than just your phone alone for audio. |
| HANDHELD Mic Options | ||||
| IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD high-definition handheld microphone for iPhone, iPad and Mac (black) For interviewing others on a livestream. I love this mic. The sound quality is great, even in very windy and noisy environments. I’ve used it at concerts, on top of tall buildings, and at parties and the audio comes through very clear (about $85). | IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 high-definition handheld digital microphone for iPhone, iPad, Mac and PC This is the newer version of the first mic. If I were in need of an upgrade, I’d get this. Honestly, though, the first version works well. I have the original version, but this one is a little easier to find for Prime members. But it’s about $25-30 more than the one I have (about $115). | IK Multimedia iRig Mic handeld condenser mic for smartphones and tablets Here’s another option, non iPhone specific version. I don’t think the quality is AS good, but it’s a little cheaper (around $60), and definitely better than no mic! This works on the headphone jack, so if you have a newer iPhone make sure to have your adapter handy. Can also use on computer. |
| CELL PHONE MOUNTS AND MINI TRIPODS | ||||
| Vastar Universal Cell Phone Tripod Mount Adapter Holder for iPhone/Samsung Galaxy/Nexus and More Cell Phones Use on Tripod, Monopod, Selfie Stick, Tabletop Tripod Stand and More Under $5 and will fit with any existing tripod with a standard mount attachment. This is a no-brainer purchase. Plus, I think it’s more sturdy than some of the other (more expensive) mounts. | Universal Mini Tripod, Walway Adjustable 360° Rotation Lightweight Desk Cell Phone Mount Stand for GoPro/ Cameras/ Camecorders/ Smartphones (Black) The bare bones, basic, not super-high quality but functional mini-tripod. Will pack easily into any bag. Or even your back pocket. But you’ll need to also get a cell phone mount if you want to use this tripod. | Rienar Octopus Style Portable and Adjustable Tripod Stand Holder for iPhone Cellphone This bendy tripod I like quite a bit, especially at the price point (under $10). The mount that comes with it, I find, isn’t as good as the first one listed here, so I took it off and used my existing mount. But if you’re really on a budget, I’d get this one and rock it. |
If I didn’t already have any of the above tools, though, and wanted to get a kit with everything, this is the one I would purchase. Flexible tripod. Strong cell phone mount. And a Bluetooth remote. (All under $20!)
KobraTech Mini Cell Phone Tripod – TriFlex Mini – Flexible iPhone Tripod for Any Smartphone
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| Neewer 75″/6 Feet/190CM Photography Light Stands for Relfectors, Softboxes, Lights, Umbrellas, Backgrounds Super cheap. Super compact. Super easy-to-use tripod. It’s lightweight, easily storeable, and sturdy enough for home use, Even though the title says lighting and backdrop stand, it has a standard tripod screw mount for your phone adapter (shown above). | Brightech Eclipse LED Floor Lamp – Double Rings of Light Bring Sci-Fi Ambiance to Contemporary Spaces – Dimmable Bright Halo Tall Standing Modern Lamp for Living Room, Bedroom and Office – Silver This light makes me so happy. It doubles as a floor lamp! And it looks cool. I can lower the big ring, put my phone on the tripod in the middle of the ring, and record with easy lighting. Plus, three light settings! | Oh! The Chatlight! I like this handy little guy. If you want to get one, please use THIS LINK because they like it when I refer people to them. In fact, they were the first company about 18 months ago who reached out after I posted about their product online and gifted me an extra light as a thank-you. My first taste of what being an influencer could feel like…I want more of that! 🙂 |
And, of course, be sure to grab a copy of my book! Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, & Manage Your Business (from Entrepreneur Press). You can get more strategies for using video to GROW your business in chapters 6, 7, 8, & 9!
Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, and Manage Your Business
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See the interview video clip at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/video/289543
Alex’s interview is one of 27 featured in Jill’s latest book: Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, and Manage Your Business available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks.
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- How do you deliver happiness to your customers?
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See the interview video clip at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/video/289427
Eric’s interview is one of 27 featured in Jill’s latest book: Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, and Manage Your Business available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks.