Many small businesses run on appointments - think of hairdressers, alternative therapists and vets. One of the ongoing struggles for these businesses is managing their dreaded appointment book. Their appointment book is in constant change with people canceling, rescheduling and just plain old not showing up for appointments.
That's why I loved this blog post by Alternative Health Practice.com - it outlines some great strategies to help all businesses manage their appointments. Some of the tips include: - Phoning to confirm appointments 2-3 days prior. Don't leave it until the morning of the appointment. Give yourself time.
- You can use text messaging to remind people of their appointments.
- Use some psychology - Don't say "Call if you can't make it" as you are predisposing them to move the appointment. Just say "Calling to confirm your appointment on Tuesday at 9am. Really looking forward to seeing you then".
- Respect your time. If someone is running late (and your business is one that lends itself to that), then keep your finish times solid, even if the start time is late.
- Don't underbook. If you leave too big a gap between clients, you allow overflow in terms of time. You also are teaching your clients that you are always available and not in demand.
- Don't overbook. If you try to cram too many clients in - you are guaranteed to always be running late and you will increase your stress levels.
- Track your data and clients - if you have repeat offenders then you may want to look at cancellation fees, only booking if there is a gap that day or even "sacking the client".
Some of my own tips: - Schedule in regular time to work "on your business". Even half a day per week will pay you huge dividends.
- Schedule in time for team bonding and communication. Regular shared morning teas and lunches help keep the team working together effectively.
- Book in time to "goof off" with friends or just by yourself. Everyone needs time to recharge and revitalise.
I am interested in hearing your ideas on how you manage your diaries.
Until next time
Ingrid Cliff
Heart HarmonyLabels: time management |
I manage my diary by putting in the "big rocks" first. ie. setting goals and then scheduling in the large important items first to achieve those goals and then filling in the spaces with lower priority tasks.