technology Online Scheduling Tools to Help Designers Save Time BY JULIE ORR
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he phone prequalification is complete and the client seems ready to move to the next step. Then come the dreaded words, “I have to talk to my wife first.” Sound familiar? While booking a haircut online last year, it suddenly occurred to me, “Why can’t making an appointment with me be this easy?!”
How Online Scheduling Works
I use online scheduling for two things: a way for clients to talk to me to without having to play phone tag and a way to schedule meetings at their home. A get a free phone consultation link on my website allows people to sign up with me right when I have their full attention. Now I decide when to be available for lead generation. This approach helps set the tone for a future relationship by reinforcing you are a busy professional whose time is valuable.
After the phone consultation—in actuality a two-way, qualifying interview— I suggest a meeting in person. If they can’t commit to a time yet, I simply send a link to my online schedule and invite them to sign up that night. Most designers didn’t get into this business because they love computers, but the reality is your clients are probably plenty tech savvy and already familiar with online scheduling. Recently, a client was impressed with my booking system, and commented that I was the only design firm he found who has integrated technology into its website. Don’t underestimate the cool factor of technology. 22
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Looking Techy to Tech-Savvy Clients