An executive assistant advert in Accra and a remote VA advert from abroad will both mention the calendar or diary. A well kept calendar means the client is in the right place, at the right time, with the right documents. A badly kept one means double bookings, missed calls and apologies.
The basics of a good calendar event
Every event you create should include:
- A clear title: "Call: Hawa (supplier) about shea prices", not just "Call".
- The correct time and time zone. Your calendar should be set to your own time zone; invitations show in each person's local time.
- Where: an address, or a video meeting link.
- What to prepare: a link to the agenda or document in the description.
- Guests, so everyone receives the invitation and can accept or decline.
Scheduling without endless messages
Agreeing a time by email can take days. Two ways to speed it up:
- Offer two or three options with time zones: "Tuesday 10am or Wednesday 2pm London time. Which suits you?"
- Use a booking page. Google Calendar's appointment schedules, and other free booking tools, let people pick a free slot themselves.