Do you know how many emails it takes to book a meeting, on average? In an ideal scenario, maybe three. In reality, on average, it takes eight! That’s eight interruptions to your workday if you’re drafting these emails yourself. Now ask yourself how many minutes those interruptions cost you…every single time you need to book a meeting. 

Today’s productivity tip: Use a calendaring app to schedule all your meetings.

This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to boost productivity. If you use Microsoft Office, you’re already paying for one: Bookings. Like we said last week, use what you’ve got. 

If you’re not familiar with the software, it can take some time to learn your system. However, in the long run it’ll be worth every second you invest to set up your calendaring tool.

Your action Item: Do a little research and choose a calendaring app you want to use (and don’t forget to look at platforms you’re already using to see if they’ve got a calendaring function already built in).

Consider apps like Bookings, Calendly, or Accuity that allow you to easily schedule calls, video meetings, and more.

Then block off time in your schedule to set it up. Even better, assign your assistant to set it up for you. Once you’ve got it up and running, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.

Here are three ways calendaring apps help you save time and operate more efficiently at your practice:

•  Convenient scheduling at times that work for you

As a lawyer, you can lose hours of time in meetings. As I mentioned in our recent productivity tip, you have times of day when you’re most productive. You don’t want meetings to interrupt your productive period. With a calendaring app, you can designate when you’re available and make sure you protect your productive work blocks. Plus, if you keep your calendar up to date, when you share your booking link, people will only see times when you’re available. So you say goodbye to accidental double bookings. (Extra time saver: these apps can send automatic reminders to you and the people you’re meeting with)

•  Makes rescheduling a breeze

Forget the multiple emails and time it takes to reschedule any missed calls. Most meeting apps permit easy rescheduling with the click of a button. You also get confirmations and updates delivered to your inbox and automatically added to your schedule.

•  Allows syncing and integrations

Syncing and integrations with other apps and programs you use often mean that a lot of your crucial tasks get handled automatically. This also includes linking to your calendar on all your devices so you never miss a meeting again!

For even more advice, book a free call (using our Calendly!) and we’ll have a 30-minute strategy session that will help to boost your productivity.