As a product manager at Zapier, I've seen the importance of making meetings effective by being intentional with asynchronous preparation. To streamline and track meeting action items without creating extra work, automation tools can be utilized. Instead of defaulting to meetings, it's recommended to consider alternatives such as listening tours via video or demo videos that allow for more efficient communication. Asynchronous prep work, like collecting and vetting ideas before a meeting, can also make meetings more effective by preparing attendees for the discussion. Additionally, having a myth-busting session can help clarify any misconceptions and create a source of truth for the project. Finally, getting real-time feedback on the effectiveness of the meeting can help identify areas for improvement and engage attendees in making adjustments to enhance the meeting experience.