Keeping track of scheduling

Scootersbabygirl

Hi guys! Thank you so much for giving me a hand, here. I've only recently started my business. I began taking paying gigs last year, and I'm going slowly with my business so that I don't take on more than I can handle. Anyway, I've booked quite a few weddings for this summer so far and was wondering how everyone keeps track of their scheduling. What program/process/ect do you use to keep track of your clients, where the shoot will be, the time, contact info, ect?

kd2

I just started using Successware. It gives me the ability to track and manage everything related to my business--income, expenses, clients (and relatives), locations, session info, prospects, inquiries, etc. I'm still learning about all the features, but so far it's exactly what I'd been looking for.

mrcoons

I've been looking at http://studiocloud.com/ - so far it seems to meet my small needs.

tijoseph

I use shootq.com

Art Scott

I use a DAYPLANNER....THIS IS ONE DAY PER PAGE.......has plenty of room for all info I need and I use Google Calendar.....but its alerts come out on the day of not before event........but i Have used the dayplanner system for over 25+ yrs and it is small enuff to carry in cam backpack or a brief case....it goes where I goes

98olds

Art Scott wrote:

I use a DAYPLANNER....THIS IS ONE DAY PER PAGE.......has plenty of room for all info I need and I use Google Calendar.....but its alerts come out on the day of not before event........but i Have used the dayplanner system for over 25+ yrs and it is small enuff to carry in cam backpack or a brief case....it goes where I goes

Granted I am just barely started... so please take this as a grain of salt.

I do What Art stated. I use a day planner, but I also Use Microsoft Outlook to manage my contacts, and calendar... Then I sync that information with my cell phone. I carry both the Day planner and the cell phone with me.

Gary Peterson Photography

Microsoft Outlook
Works well, is widely available, synchs up with my Blackberry, and is super easy to use.

Scott_Quier

I used a Palm Tx - kept contant info, schedule, places, etc all in one small package. Synchronized with my computer so I was able to input data either on the computer or on the Tx and then let them sync later. It is small enough that I was able to carry it with me everywhere and everywhen.

I don't know what is available to replace it now - if you use a smartphone of some sort, be sure you can access the calendar while actively talking on the phone.

Hint: No matter what system you use, be sure to use it all the time and be sure you are comfortable enough with it that you have it with you all the time. This is especially true if you are running your business through a cell phone - when a client calls, you need to be able to talk intelligently about schedule right then rather than, "Let me get home and call you...." Maybe not so important when you get bigger, but when just starting out - it's all about service and service RIGHT NOW!

98olds

Scott_Quier wrote:

I used a Palm Tx - kept contant info, schedule, places, etc all in one small package. Synchronized with my computer so I was able to input data either on the computer or on the Tx and then let them sync later. It is small enough that I was able to carry it with me everywhere and everywhen.

I don't know what is available to replace it now - if you use a smartphone of some sort, be sure you can access the calendar while actively talking on the phone.

Hint: No matter what system you use, be sure to use it all the time and be sure you are comfortable enough with it that you have it with you all the time. This is especially true if you are running your business through a cell phone - when a client calls, you need to be able to talk intelligently about schedule right then rather than, "Let me get home and call you...." Maybe not so important when you get bigger, but when just starting out - it's all about service and service RIGHT NOW!

This brings up a very good point, Maybe i should start relying on my appointment book more than just on my phone that is synced with my outlook.. Ii mean if Im on the phone and in front of my pc i can look at the calendar in outlook, but if I am out someplace with out my computer I use my appointment book, but still rely on my phone.

ColoradoSkier

Gary Peterson Photography wrote:

(Outlook) Works well, is widely available, synchs up with my Blackberry, and is super easy to use.

On top of that, you can easily integrate it with Google Calendar, which you can also embed into your website. I have a Windows Mobile smartphone, and that stays synced also.