Anyone have any good tips on taking "minutes" for a business meeting?

Question

My first time this Friday, and its for our whole deveopment team..yikes!

Answer 1

I used to hate taking the minutes for our meetings at work. I'd try to avoid it if at all possible. However, since you're already signed up for Friday, the best advise I can give is to have a copy of the previous meeting's minutes. Usually the same items will be discussed, and you can just update from there and add any new business. It also will give you a format to work from when typing them up.

Answer 2

What I usually do is write starting in order, here's an example:

August 22, 2007 12:00pm Meeting Title

Associate Name, Openend with Greeting.

Overview of Meeting Given: Budget Goals, Guidelines, Schedule.

Budget: Detail
Detail
Detail
Detail

Questions: Question, Answer
Question, Answer

Guidelines:
Detail
Detail
Detail

Questions: Question, Answer

Schedule:

Write it out

Questions: Question, Answer

Other information

Meeting Closed.

I usually just take a lot of notes in order from when the meeting started to when the meeting ended and then I go back through them and put them in coherant sentences like that.

Hope this helps. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Answer 3

Before the Meeting
* Choose your tool: Decide how you will take notes, i.e. pen and paper, laptop computer, or tape recorder.
* Make sure your tool of choice is in working order and have a backup just in case.
* Use the meeting agenda to formulate an outline. (my best suggestion)

During the Meeting
* Pass around an attendance sheet.
* Get a list of committee members and make sure you know who is who.
* Note the time the meeting begins.
* Don't try to write down every single comment -- just the main ideas.
* Write down motions, who made them, and the results of votes, if any; no need to write down who seconded a motion.
* Make note of any motions to be voted on at future meetings.
* Note the ending time of the meeting.

After the Meeting
* Type up the minutes as soon as possible after the meeting, while everything is still fresh in your mind.
* Include the name of organization, name of committee, type of meeting (daily, weekly, monthly, annual, or special), and purpose of meeting.
* Include the time the meeting began and ended.
* Proofread the minutes before submitting them.

Answer 4

note key words on everything important with room to expand later as you process it. You would want someone who gets the email and wasn't there to know everything that was covered so that everyone has the exact same communication. You must write down the lists if groups are made or if certain people have specific things they are doing. Everything must be included!

If you have room you also want to add why something is being done (which you know from the meeting but again, not everyone knows.). Also, if something important was discussed but not well articulated, that must be solidly re-presented.

Answer 5

Bring paper and a pen.
or a laptop.
paraphrase the speakers thoughts
stop them if clarification is needed.
Try to stay awake