time is going to come when you will be asked to take minutes at a meeting. Impress your

colleagues by already knowing how by following these steps. You will need Notebook Pen or

pencil A meeting agenda and laptop (optional). Step 1. Bring a notebook to the meeting with

you. If you will be writing minutes often, you may want to buy a good notebook to keep

your minutes in rather than a cheap one. If you have a laptop, you should use it to save

time later. Step 2. Create a simple sign-in sheet that has columns for name and contact

information and pass it around. You will be able to refer to this record in order to document

attendance. Find out who was supposed to be there and make sure you include the people

who did not attend in the minutes under regrets. Step 3. Begin note-taking by noting the date

of the meeting and the time the meeting was called to order. Step 4. Record old business,

which is anything that needed a follow up from the last meeting. Note anything that

was done or not done and by whom. Step 5. Record new business. For example, when someone

has an issue to address they will make a motion. Note exactly what they said along with who

seconded the motion and whether or not the motion passed. Step 6. Write down any action

items or things specific participants agreed to do, but don't transcribe word for word

debates or discussions. End the notes with the time the meeting adjourned and the date

of the next meeting. Step 7. Type up the minutes as soon as possible after the meeting so it's

fresh in your mind. Once you have typed them, distribute them to members for review and

approval at the next meeting. Did you know During one day, there is an average of 17

million meetings in America.