Do you keep falling asleep in meetings and seminars? What a bout those long and boring conference calls? Here's a way to change all of that. From now on your meetings will never be the same ........

1. Before (or during) your next meeting, seminar, or conference call, prepare yourself by drawing a square -- I find that 5"x5" is a goodsize. Divide the card into columns -- five across and five down. That will give you 25 one-inch blocks.

2. Write one of the following words/phrases in each block:
   
   synergy
   strategic fit
   core competencies
   best practice
   bottom line
   revisit
    take that off-line
   24/7
   out of the loop
   benchmark
   value-added
   proactive
   win-win
   think outside the box
   fast track
   result-driven
   empower (or empowerment)
   knowledge base
   at the end of the day
   touch base
   mindset
   client focus(ed)
   ballpark
   game plan
   leverage

3. Check off the appropriate block when you hear one of those words/phrases.

4. When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically, or diagonally,stand up and shout "B-LL$HIT!"
   
   
   Testimonials from satisfied "B-ll$hit Bingo" players:
   
   
   "I had been in the meeting for only five minutes when I won."
   --Jack W., Boston
   
   * "My attention span at meetings has improved dramatically."
   --David D., Florida
   
   
   * "What a gas! Meetings will never be the same for me after my first win."
   
   
   * "The atmosphere was tense in the last process meeting as 14 of us waited for the fifth box."
   
   
   * "The speaker was stunned as eight of us screamed 'BULL$HIT!' for the third time in two hours."