Conference calls often get a bad rep...And for good reason! How many times have we all joined a conference call with little to no idea who's in charge of the conference call, what the agenda is, or who is attending?

While conference calls might use the same technology as a typical phone call, their coordination and implementation should be just as well planned as an in-person meeting. Great conference calls are virtual meetings: and as such, deserve all the same planning steps you would consider as you orchestrate a face to face meeting.

Here are four of our favorite tips to ensure your conference calls are efficient and effective.

Bottom line: Conference calls still have many of the same challenges of in-person meetings. From understanding your cast of characters attending your meetings to ensuring that every minute is used efficiently, conference call maestros know how to ensure these virtual meetings make the most of the valuable talent at the table in order to accomplish their goals.

To learn more about running meetings more efficiently and effectively, check out our Meeting & Facilitation Skills coaching services to help your employees get more from their meetings.