When you want to discuss potential business opportunities with a prospective client, are you still “playing phone / email / text tag” to set up a date and time to have that highly-anticipated first meeting or conversation?
If so, then you know how frustrating it is to navigate the maddening cycle of missed calls and wasted time - not to mention the lost opportunities resulting from the inefficiencies of this antiquated way of scheduling.
Well, if this is happening to you, then it’s time to consider ending this archaic practice once and for all by implementing this one tip:
Streamline your scheduling process by signing up for and implementing an automated scheduling system.
Using a scheduling system cuts down the time it takes to set up those initial appointments by at least half. By eliminating the back-and forth phone / email / text exchanges, it saves hours of time that can be spent on more productive endeavors. Using a scheduling system also decreases the likelihood of a prospect slipping through the cracks before you’ve had a chance to speak with him or her.
And it’s easier to do than you may realize! Calendar platforms such as Calendly offer a free portal used to schedule all appointments. Here’s how it works:
- After creating an account, the basic calendar is set up which includes available dates and times to “meet.”
- A unique link to your calendar is created and is shared by various means such as in an email, via text, on a website, or on a social media page or posting. No need for all all the back-and-forth communication, and no more wasted time!
- Once someone schedules an appointment on your calendar, both you and the prospect receive a confirmation message.
- From the confirmation message, click on the hot links to add to you phone’s calendar app where you can set up reminders.
I’ve been using Calendly for nearly 2 years now, and I would NOT want to return to using the traditional back-and-forth scheduling method. Once you try it, (or start using the scheduling platform that works best for you), I’m guessing that you won’t, go back to the old way, either!
Kathy Grosskurth
Author Bio: Kathy Grosskurth is an Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor® in Desktop and Online platforms. Starting out in 2005 as treasurer for a local disaster recovery group after Hurricane Dennis dumped record rains and caused catastrophic floods in South Cobb County (near Atlanta, GA), Kathy became hooked on QuickBooks® and started taking on paying clients. Since 2016, she has focused on providing training, advisory and consulting services to clients across the country. She is also becoming the GO-TO person for file check-ups, as well as being increasingly sought after for her Bookkeeping Basics course. Kathy's other passion is mentoring promising bookkeeping students. She is married with two grown children (one a Nursing Student, another an Eagle Scout) and spends her free time traveling, volunteering at the local food pantry, and helps job seekers and career changers through her Cobb Career Site's Facebook page.