Conference calls are just like any other business meeting. Even if the participants do not see one another face-to-face, conference calls are still governed by rules of meetings.

Make sure that you have an agenda before you start the call. The last thing you need is to meander during the meeting only to find out that you left important matters out just as you hung up.

Best thing to do is to create an agenda and make sure that each of the participants has a copy at least a day before the meeting.

Appoint a chairperson. He or she will keep things moving and will check that everyone follows the agenda. The chairperson will also moderate during debates and any votation needed.