Scheduling

[Hgye]

I am starting my own company soon.  I was wondering what the easiest way to schedule jobs would be.  Just me and a helper for starters, then 1 other qualified technician after.  Should I just buy a Wallmart date book to start?  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[mimico_woj]

The way I schedule with my dad doing contracting work is typically like this:

- assume job takes x hours
- add a certain % to the job - especially at the beginning - let's say 20-25% time for work that may come up / unexpected
- check distance to next appointment and add % to travel time for traffic

This will allow you to give yourself a healthy buffer at the start. Also it's always better to be EARLY for an appointment instead of being late.

Also why not just use an iPad or electronic device?  You can have your appointments show up on your phone / iPad / Android tablet at the same time so you always have something near you. But there's always something to be said for good ol paper and pen...battery never dies!

[Hgye]

Thanks very much.  Would you suggest just using the iphone iCalendar?

[mimico_woj]

Yes definitely. If you have the iphone calendar, you can sync it with other devices so it shows up at each one of them at the same time:

ie: set up your appointment on your phone (iphone / android / windows) and the appointment will show up on your ipad / gmail calendar / tablet

It makes life much easier, and you can use it so your spouse / colleague can also be shown the calendar at the same time so you're all on the same page.