We’ve all experienced the challenge of coordinating schedules:
“Hey, let’s connect—what’s a good time for you?”
Then the back-and-forth emails begin, occasionally resulting in lost correspondence.
Scheduling is a fundamental necessity for various aspects of our lives:
- Client discovery calls
- Happy hours
- Coffee chats
- Client work meetings
- Connecting with colleagues
Ever wondered how much time you lose in the process of scheduling meetings?
Enhancing productivity in both personal and professional spheres is crucial, enabling you to focus on what matters most. One effective way to boost efficiency is by utilizing online scheduling tools.
But what exactly is an online scheduling tool?
It’s a subscription-based online application (many offering free and paid options) where you set your availability and sync it with your calendar.
Whether on your website, through email, or a direct link, friends, colleagues, or clients can book directly on your calendar, saving time and reducing the back-and-forth of finding a suitable time.
I’ve found these tools invaluable for scheduling client work sessions, check-in calls, social-coffee chats, and discovery calls.
Here are some key features
Effortless Scheduling
Set your preferred meeting times, and many tools integrate with personal calendars to prevent double booking. The other party can then select a time that suits them.
Automatic Reminders
Receive reminders for scheduled meetings to ensure no one forgets.
Time Zone Friendly
As we navigate multiple time zones, online calendars automatically adjust to prevent accidental 3 am calls.
Multiple Booking Calendars
Maintain separate calendars for various needs. For instance, I use three calendars for free consultation calls, coffee chats, and client-specific meetings. This allows me to ask specific questions for each purpose and block out designated time frames.
Custom Question Fields
Gather insights into the meeting by asking a few questions upfront.
Possible Tools
I’ve been a long-time user of Calendly, but other options like SimpleMeet, TidyCal, and Acuity are also worth exploring.
