Calendly

How do YOU really feel about meetings? In our annual State of Meetings Report—out today—we asked 1.2k business professionals this very question and more to understand what they love about meetings, dislike, and how they believe meetings can be improved. What we found might surprise you. ?? 81% of respondents said more meetings would actually help them in some way. You read that right. But, here’s the catch: That’s only if they’re productive meetings. Here's what else we found: - The time we spend just scheduling meetings has increased this year compared to 2023—no wonder we found there’s a growing appetite for AI in smart scheduling assistance. ?? - Most of us are multitasking during virtual meetings—a sign that we need to make that time more engaging and purposeful. ? - Different age groups experience meetings differently—from establishing boundaries (which we found Gen Z does a great job of!) to keeping agendas on track. ?? The bottom line—meetings themselves are not the problem. It’s all about how we approach them. This is just the tip of the data iceberg. Want to dive into ALL the findings and create #BetterMeetings ahead of 2025? Check out the report in the comments. ?

Here’s a quick Calendly hack: did you know you can copy and paste available time slots directly into your emails in Gmail? With this feature, you can pick specific dates and times to offer your invitee. All they have to do is click to book—without leaving their email. Here’s how: 1. Get the Calendly browser extension if you haven't already, and make sure your Gmail extension integration is turned on (extension menu > settings). 2. From Gmail, click the Calendly icon in your email compose window, and select “Event types.” 3. Click “Offer time slots” for the event you want to book. 4. Skim your upcoming availability and pick time slots that work best for you. 5. Hit “Finish and share” and paste those slots into your email as clickable buttons—no link needed! That’s it! Control the times you offer, and save your invitee a few clicks. Not a Gmail user? No problem. Pop open the Calendly extension sidebar, then click the envelope icon for the event you want to book — the rest of the process is the same! ?? Give it a try, and see what else you can do with our extensions: https://bit.ly/3CCiJxE

Checking this during a meeting? Don’t worry, we won’t tell! ?? Make your guess below, then find the answer in the comments! ? Raise your hand if you multitask during meetings. ? You're in good company — especially if we're talkin' virtual meetings. If you host meetings and your attendees' focus is drifting, there may be a reason for that. So here's a pro tip: Ask yourself what’s happening (or not happening) in this meeting that’s driving people to check emails, or scroll social? Does everyone have a role to play? Was the agenda robust? The purpose clear? ?? ?? Answering these questions can help you host #BetterMeetings worth everyone's (undivided) attention. ??

The best tip I've heard recently for more engaging sales demos: make them hold it ? In other words, how can you get what you're selling 'in their hands' so it feels interactive and more real to them? That might seem hard for virtual demos and software products, but it can be done! Give prospects the chance to click around on your screen and guide them on different things to try. Also, ask questions specific to what you're showing (no more 'does that make sense' but rather 'what would you prioritize here'). In the latest episode of Calendly's Meeting Momentum series, Morgan J. Ingram and Kevin "KD" Dorsey share how to meet buyers where they are, make demos more thought provoking, and simplify the process to get deals across the finish line. Another insight that stuck with me: the ‘single decision maker’ is a myth—success means connecting with the whole team. If you’re in sales or a marketing role helping with demo and buyer guides, this is worth your time. Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/eKmurDgn

Want to streamline your sales process? Steal this seamless workflow! The key to working smarter, not harder, is getting your tools to communicate without skipping a beat. Luckily, our 100+ integrations have got you. We work with the apps you already rely on (and love), making your process smoother than ever! ?? Connect Calendly with LinkedIn, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Salesforce, Chrome, and so much more to keep things moving. We love your tech stack — see what our integrations can do: https://bit.ly/3zmpFxB

Prospect ghosted you after showing clear interest? "KD" explains exactly why - and it's not what you think. Here are 3 reality checks every seller needs to hear: 1. "Decision maker" is a comical term now ?? - Every deal involves 10-15 stakeholders - Each needs different information - Team buy-in matters more than executive approval Get deal insurance and be talking to multiple stakeholders. 2. As a CRO actively buying software right now, KD can't even find time to finish his own purchases ?? - He reached out to vendors - Has pending responses in his inbox - Still can't complete the process Make the buying process easy for your buyers. 3. The 3 L's of Modern Buying: ?? - Low level = Information gathering - Mid level = Insights sharing - High level = Influence focus Create an ecosystem of trust within the account. Modern buying requires systematic engagement at every level. Your job isn't to "get to power. ? It's to build internal champions. Want to hear more of this masterclass with KD? Check out the episode here: https://lnkd.in/eYDQ8jHP

Sales reps, it's time to step into your buyer's shoes. ?? Don't know where to start? Luckily, we got THE Kevin "KD" Dorsey to break it down for us. As an experienced sales leader and buyer himself, he has first-hand insights on what to do, and what not to do, to impress today's buyers (without annoying them in the process). In this episode with KD and Morgan J Ingram you’ll learn: - The KPIC framework for creating video proposals that actually convert (KD isn’t a fan of voice notes — the more you know!) - The secret to avoiding overselling during demos - How to apply the “3-i” framework on sales calls - Pro tips for virtual meeting success — like how to stick to an agenda, get everyone on camera, and much more If you want to make your buyer’s experience a breeze and, most importantly, seal the deal, take notes from the pros in our latest episode — link below. ?? Let’s end Q4 strong and head into Q1 ready to win. ??

New Workflow alert: Send automated email reminders to non-attendees! ?? ? Need to keep teammates or managers in the loop for meetings, even if they’re not attending them? Skip the CCs and manual forwards—our new “Email reminder to someone else” Workflow has you covered. Use it to seamlessly remind: ?? Teammates to help prep meeting materials, like slides and agendas. ?? Executive Assistants to book a conference room or meeting space. ?? Managers to clue them in on upcoming interviews, trainings, and more. Ready to automate more of your tasks? Give this new Workflow a try! And pro tip: Looking for more ways to automate emails to non-attendees? You can also use Workflows to automate cancellation notifications and follow-ups, too! ??

New to Calendly? ?? Or just looking to make the most of it? Our team has a few key tips to help you start strong! ? Set up availability ASAP! Connect your calendars through Google Calendar, Office 365, Outlook, and Exchange to stay perfectly synced. ? Protect your time by adding meeting buffers to give yourself space between calls. ? Download the mobile app for easy access to your scheduling on the go. ? Try our browser extension and explore integrations that fit right into your workflow! We work where you work. Calendly is much more than a scheduling link — what features, integrations, and Workflows can you not live without? Let us know! ?? ??

Eating on camera during a virtual meeting — all good, or hard pass? ?? ?? If you gave a "thumbs down," you’re in good company. Workers had strong feelings about this in our State of Meetings Report! 77% of respondents said it was unacceptable to eat on camera during virtual meetings. What do you think? Are you ok with it? Does it depend? Let's hear it in the comments. And to dive into even more meeting etiquette, find the full report below. #BetterMeetings