LOCAL FINDS

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Do you hate meetings? Most people do. But in reality, we don’t hate meetings, we hate unproductive, time wasting meetings. Why is it that some meetings go like clockwork while others seem like the clock isn’t moving?

The secret to great meetings is MAGIC, making them look and feel like they are magical. Let’s dive into the MAGIC acronym.

M-To Meet or Not. Ironically, most meetings really don’t need to happen. We often have meetings for the sake of meeting, thinking everyone needs be included. The first step in magical meetings is to determine if you really need to meet. Ask yourself three questions: What is the overall objective? What needs to be accomplished? Is there a better approach?

A-Agenda. Okay, we’ve all heard it…don’t start a meeting without an agenda. But it’s true. Developing an agenda doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It should include the goal of the meeting, major items of discussion, responsible parties and where applicable, time elements to keep things on track. Didn’t get the agenda done before the meeting? Go to the whiteboard/flip chart and put one together before starting. And don’t forget to share with participants in advance so they can come prepared. Great magicians don’t share their secrets but great meeting leaders do!

G-Guidelines. Guidelines for how the meeting will be conducted will help participants follow the “rules” that will allow you to conduct and/or participate in the meeting with confidence. Clear guidelines and ground rules allow difficult matters to be dealt with in an organized way and keep controversy over process matters to a minimum. For on-going meetings, allow the team to set up ground rules. For one-time only meetings, have a generic set of ground rules that can be used. Remember, the key is to first set, but then be sure to follow your ground rules.

I-Involve. Involvement is critical because the best solutions have involvement from a number of people. People tend to support solutions they help create and decisions and plans can derail if people who must implement them are not “brought up to speed” and involved. To take involvement to another level, consider asking individuals to take on meeting management roles such as time keeper, action planner or note taker.

C-Clarity. Great magicians save their best magic to the final act. The final act of any meeting should be to make sure everyone is clear on next steps. Clarity in communication is integral to the success of any meeting. Without it, the only things you’ll be pulling out of your hat are misunderstanding, misinterpretation, and a lot of confusion. Ensure participants are “on the same page” during the session and leave with a common understanding.

Magicians practice for years to become skilled in their trade. It may not take years for you to become more proficient in leading and participating in meetings but it does take time and practice. With time, you can become a meeting magician!

Fong’s Pizza is a combination of a tiki bar with a unique Asian-inspired pizza menu. Located in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, and two Des Moines locations, Fong’s Pizza has become quite well known. Although their pizza may be widely talked about, some big changes they have made in the last months haven’t been discussed as intensely. Fong’s Pizza has been working very hard to make their menu fit the needs of all their customers, while also giving back to the community.

Since the pandemic started, Fong’s has been able to feed nearly 5,000 healthcare heroes, essential workers, and teachers. They also have been able to donate 1,500 handmade masks with their partnership through Masks for the Frontlines, and a generous donation from Storey Kenworthy. With their continued support from the community they hope to continue to make an impact whenever they can.

Fong’s Pizza also has expanded their food options to fit the dietary needs of more customers, while also supporting other local businesses in the community. They have added more vegan and gluten-free options on the menu, which have been purchased from local businesses like, the Fresh Market Cafe. They also have partnered with Graziano Bros, Creme Cupcake, Brown Dogs Farm, and Pho 515 to add different items to their menu as monthly specials. For example, in January every large Bacon Popper scored you a free pack of bacon from Berkwood Farms.

In January’s column, I discussed making a plan for this year. So hopefully you sat down and wrote out some goals and tactics. If SEO is one of your goals for this year, backlinks should be a tactic.

My February Digital Marketing Tip: Ask for Backlinks

If you need a refresher on backlinks, visit here. But basically, you can think of backlinks like a root system. The deeper they go, the stronger your website appears on Google. It’s important to ask your shouldering industries for a link from their site to yours, and this is yet another benefit of chamber membership. A directory listing comes with all chamber memberships to boost your SEO. So go out and get some link juice!

And hey, if you want to be featured in Creative DSM’s local business directory, apply for a spotlight here.

Let’s keep #FusingTheCommunityTogether Andi Fagen

Andi Fagen - Founder - Creative DSM | Digital & Social Marketing FREE ADVICE

It’s one thing for a bank to say it’s committed to making a difference. Bankers Trust actually does it by encouraging employees to give back in the areas they’re most passionate. For me, that’s impacting children’s lives through sports, and it’s why I cofounded the Des Moines Venom Youth Football Club four years ago. The skills and values children learn through football – like dedication, strength, camaraderie and good character – are essential in the classroom, and the workplace too. It’s rewarding to help our next generation of leaders succeed, and I’m proud to work for a company that empowers me to get involved in this way.

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