Yuuguu doesn’t have an in-built scheduling system – its genius is most evident in its ability to facilitate ad-hoc get-togethers, screen shares and conference calls. Yet, it is actually proving a brilliant tool for holding scheduled and regular meetings too. Our guide explains how best to use Yuuguu in this way, whether or not your contacts are themselves signed up.

Yuuguu’s advanced instant messaging tools are fantastic for holding ad-hoc group chats, screen-share sessions and low-cost conference calls. But, thanks to a few of its built-in features, we’re also finding it just as useful for scheduled and regular meetings.

For example, the fact that Yuuguu allows you to connect with someone on any of the major Instant Messenger networks and that all these contacts can be held in one place - as well as the ability to see when they are available - makes organising and hosting scheduled meetings straightforward, wherever the participants are located.

Also, since collaboration inside Yuuguu can start with an instant chat message, scheduled meetings can be initiated by the host without the need for attendees to do much other than be in front of their computers. They do not have to dial-on or log-in, but simply respond to their host’s prompt.

Meeting hosts and participants can use existing calendar tools such as Microsoft Outlook, iCalendar and Google Calendar to set up meetings and invite attendees. However, Yuuguu’s instant group chat features make it simple to find a time and date that participants can attend without the usual email merry-go-round. Using screen-share you can also share the proposed agenda and make amendments on the same document. And, since Yuuguu remembers past group conversations, it is easy to stay in touch with who has said what, send reminders and advise your attendees of any changes.

Here’s our how-to guide for running regular and scheduled meetings through Yuuguu:

1.     Yuuguu to Yuuguu

Where all meeting attendees are already Yuuguu users, it is very straightforward to host a scheduled meeting. Ensure all participants are in your Yuuguu contacts list and, when you’re ready to start, check in the contacts window to make sure they are available. Prompt unavailable attendees with an instant message, email or phone call. When everyone’s ready to go, begin the session by clicking on one of the attendees in the contacts window and choose ‘Chat’ or ‘Show’. This will start an instant chat or screen-share session. Invite the rest of the participants using the ‘Add’ option in the chat interface.

2.     Yuuguu to other IM network

Yuuguu supports integration with all of the major instant messaging networks, including AOL, Yahoo, ICQ, Windows Live and Google Talk. This means you can hold group chat sessions with contacts from any of these platforms in the same session. To add contacts from these networks, use the ‘Find’ option in the main Yuuguu window and enter your account details for each of the IM networks you want to support. The system will add each of your IM contacts from these other networks into your Yuuguu contacts list. You can then enjoy instant chat sessions with any of these contacts – straight from the Yuuguu interface – without them needing to switch networks or sign up to Yuuguu.

To add your other Instant Messenger network contacts

Click ‘Find Contacts’. In the window choose ‘Link Instant Messaging Accounts with Yuuguu’ and click ‘Next’. Enter your user name and password and then click ‘Add Account’. Click on ‘OK’ to verify your details. Your account will be shown in the ‘Supported Networks’ window. Your contacts will appear in your contacts window the same as your Yuuguu contacts do. You will be able to identify them by the icon on the right hand side of the contacts name.

3.     Web Share

To enjoy screen-sharing features with contacts not signed up to Yuuguu, you can use the web share option. Click ‘Web Share’ at the top of the Yuuguu window to reveal the URL www.yuuguu.com/share and a unique PIN. Send these details to your meeting participants. On arrival at the URL, they are invited to enter the PIN and will then be able to view your screen and enjoy instant chat through their web browser.

Using these simple steps, regular and scheduled meetings can be organised and hosted simply, enabling colleagues and partners to collaborate effectively, wherever they are located.