Prior to the pandemic, a number of boards were planning to go virtual. It’s therefore more important to be able to communicate effectively when not meeting face-to-face. While some of the techniques that work in meetings in person aren’t necessarily applicable to virtual communication There are a few simple changes that can make the difference.

Set up an appointment calendar to talk via video calls or email. A board-portal.blog schedule will prevent members from being behind on messages and ensure that they check their emails regularly, regardless of whether or not it’s a day for meetings.

Utilize tools like screen sharing and video conferencing to give your board members the full experience of collaboration in person. These tools allow for audio and visual communication, which is essential for building trust within your team.

Be sure to be able to assign a minute-taker to your virtual meetings. The person in charge is required to keep track of every motion in full including the person who made the motion and the manner in which it was seconded, and what the outcome of the vote was.

Using a whiteboard tool that offers real-time markup allows your virtual collaborators to feel more connected to the meeting. One of the most sought-after choices is Freehand that allows you to draw on a whiteboard using markers and comes with an option to chat in groups. However, it doesn’t include the capability to share files or documents, so you will need another app for visual, audio, or text messaging outside of your board. Mural is a different alternative. It is an advanced whiteboard that comes with capabilities, and is well-suited to teams of any size. It can also be integrated with other apps.