What Scheduling Platform?

One of the top questions I have seen in the last month is “what scheduling platform should I use?” Or, a variation of “I want to switch from my scheduling system which one do you use?” Whether it is the cost that is causing you to consider a new platform or your business has changed and the one you use no longer serves you, or, you’ve realized you lose too much precious time scheduling/rescheduling clients via text and keeping track of packages on our notes, picking the right platform for you is going to take research. Yep, I know, you probably came here for the answer to which platform you should pick. But, I promise, below I will give you tips to choose the best platform for your business. Ready to have a scheduling tool that literally grows your business by giving you time and options? Here we go!

 

Tips to Choose the Best Platform

First, write down EVERYTHING you want your business to do. One thing that will drive you nuts is if you choose a program based on price and what you do this month. But, don’t consider where you want your business to be next year. I know, why pay for something you’re not using yet. But, most programs allow you to add things on too. So consider EVERYTHING! Do you want to have merch, workshops, classes, privates, zoom? What about it talking to your mail server? I want you to dream big here! If you’ve been in business for a while you might already know the answers to this question. But, if you’re at a pivot point or starting out on your own think of this like you’re back in dating life and you’re dreaming up your perfect match. What qualities matter the most to you? What are “must-haves” and “nice to have.”

Second, what don’t you like about the platform, program, or system you are using? If you’re using your calendar and your notes on your phone (yes we def gotta fix that) but what about this is a waste of your time? Btw, YES THIS IS A HUGE WASTE OF YOUR TIME! But, what would you like it to do for you? The tool and systems you use should allow you to have more time to do the things that bring you joy or make you money. Literally, write down everything that you dislike so you can make sure you don’t swap and do all the work and end up with the same complaints.

Third, now you can ask people “why do you like the scheduling tool you use?” Or, “what platform do you use and what are the pros and cons?” Note, I did not say ask people “what program do you use?” I also made this third for a reason. If you go and ask people what they use and the pros and cons of it before you make your lists your idea of who they are, how well their business is doing, the story you tell yourself about them will sway you to like one program over another. Its just human nature.

So, do the work to list out what you love, need, deal-breakers, and makers. Then get some feedback with the why behind it. And then fourth, start contacting these service providers and get on the phone with them. Yep, old school. Tell them what you want, need and DEF DO NOT WANT. And they’ll try to prove themselves to you. And, because you’ve got your list you can’t be swayed by charm and deals.

Your time is money. Literally every minute. So, anything your platform doesn’t do that you do on a daily basis is costing you money now and in the future. Because it takes up brain space. And wasted brain space means time lost creating future money-making ideas.

And, before you go all in and let your clients in on it have a friend or family member try to sign up for all the things. Not you. Someone who doesn’t know what is supposed to happen when they sign up for a new session. A friend or family member who is similar to your clientele signing up for a package or canceling a session. See where they struggle so that when you go to train your current clients on the switch it’s a smoother transition (no one likes change but that should not stop you). Afterward, if you’re like YASS this is it. Then do the switch. Yes, it will be work. Yes, it will be frustrating. And yes it will take time. But if it solves all your problems then it should actually give you time and energy back!

Please do this sooner than later. Trust me when you are on the other side of this issue you’ll be like “why did I wait so long?!”

What are you looking for in a platform?

xx~LL

PS when you’re ready to talk dream work schedule (yes it exists) check out this course here and my blog here on making sure your schedule has your future goals in your present day.