Organising a Facilitated Family Business Meeting

In several straight forward steps:

1. Getting agreement:

Family members can be unsure of the process of meetings and therefore may be reluctant. Some families have found showing the information on Facilitated Family Business Meeting helpful click here (Family business meetings/facilitated) additionally a video ‘Talking Families in Business’ is available click here (Resource kit/talking families in) and the second half of the video snapshots a family meeting many people have found viewing this video overcomes many of the concerns.

2. Booking your facilitator:

Facilitators are happy to attend a meeting whenever available, please call to check available dates. To minimise costs we try to combine attending meetings with when we are in the district. Please let us know when you are making enquires if you want to fit in with other activities or would you prefer to stand alone. To book or find out available dates please call Karen on 0438392907.

3. Book your accountant

You will need to include a professional who understands the business side of the family business. An important part of the facilitated family meeting process is to balance the needs of the family and the needs of the business – therefore these meetings work best with two external people. The facilitator with expertise in getting people to talk openly and the second person with business expertise. Many families utilise their accountant for this role, if not a rural financial counsellor or consultant may be used. This second person needs to take a written record of the meeting and produce a set of ‘minutes’, detailing the meeting.
A person to record the meeting can be provided by the facilitator if required.

4. Arrange suitable venue for the meeting

It is important to hold the meeting in neutral venue. This minimises distractions and maximises the opportunity for family members to contribute without influence.

Outline of Costs for Family Meeting:

Professional Fees:
Facilitator $880 – $2420
Accountant / recorder $550 – $2200

Venue $100 – 250
Catering (avg) $20pp
Materials $40

Additionally travel and accommodation for facilitator.

Farmbis have previously covered this training activity please check with your state farmbis regarding current eligibility.

Costs are indicative and vary between facilitator. Please feel free to call me if you have any queries or would like to book a meeting with Lyn Sykes or Karen Harper on 0438392907.