Last week we talked about using calendaring apps to make scheduling easier and recommended Bookings as a possible option for clients. I’m always surprised by how many lawyers know nothing about it…but if they have Microsoft Office Suite, they’re already paying for it!

This week’s tip: Use the calendaring software you’ve already got!

In this week’s tip, we wanted to share a quick example of how one mid-sized law firm built Bookings right into their practice and saw big benefits.

This large Wills & Estate Planning Practice hired us because they wanted to improve various areas of their growing firm.

The problem: A serious pain point we noticed almost instantly was the time wasted by lawyers and assistants going back and forth with clients to schedule consultations, review calls, arrange will-signing appointments, as well as extra time spent sending reminders for said calls.

The solution: They decided to use Bookings, a Microsoft Suite tool. Each lawyer set up their calendars and determined when they would be available for different types of meetings. Then they created and shared Bookings links for their different meeting types.

The result: This new organized scheduling tool allowed clients to self-schedule and automate appointment reminders. The time savings was huge!

This is just one example of the great impact of adequately using the software you already have.

Your action item: Get your calendar up to date - or get your assistant to update it -, then start using an app to manage all your scheduling.

In addition to automated functions, it’s important to update your calendar regularly as things come up. That’s why it’s important to have your calendar up to date because the scheduling tools will consider what your calendar looks like when offering available appointments to clients!

Remember that this system will only be effective if you can fully rely on it for all your scheduling needs without the need for multiple sources of information.

Then learn the various features so you can make the most of the software. For instance, did you know most apps allow you to ask key questions when people schedule a meeting with you? It’s true.