How to set a meeting reminder
Missed meetings damage credibility and waste other people’s time. A well-timed reminder does more than buzz your phone: it tells you when to leave, what to bring, and what to review before you walk in. Most calendar apps send a generic notification, but a useful reminder includes context. This guide covers how to set reminders that actually prepare you, not just alert you.
Steps
1. Choose the right lead time
For in-person meetings, set a reminder based on travel time plus a 10-minute buffer. For virtual meetings, 5 minutes is usually enough to close what you are doing and open the link. A life assistant can calculate when to leave based on your location and the meeting venue.
2. Include context in the reminder
A reminder that says ‘Meeting at 2pm’ is less useful than one that says ‘Meeting at 2pm, Room 4B, bring Q2 numbers, ask about hiring timeline.’ Add a one-line note about what you need to prepare or bring.
3. Set a pre-meeting prep reminder
For important meetings, add a second reminder 30 to 60 minutes before. Use that time to review your brief, check open action items, and gather any materials. This prevents the last-minute scramble.
Why use a life assistant for this?
A life assistant calculates when to leave based on location and travel time, then pairs the reminder with a brief so you know what to bring and what to cover. Your reminders become prep tools, not just alarms.
Frequently asked questions
How many reminders should I set per meeting?
One is enough for routine meetings. For high-stakes meetings (board reviews, client presentations), set two: one for prep time and one for departure. More than two usually causes alert fatigue.
Can a life assistant set reminders automatically?
Yes. When you describe your day, a life assistant can return when-to-leave times and suggest reminder points. You can then set those in your calendar or phone with the context included.
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