I have been using Google Calendar this past year, but frankly it doesn't matter which one you pick as long as it syncs to everything you need it to. I also like DejaOffice for this because it works across various Calendar programs and platforms (and Contacts), and lets you organize with Categories and color-code (yes, I'm a total nerd for this stuff!).
Some important features to consider of any decent mobile calendar app are as follows:
1- Sync-ability. Keep ONE MASTER CALENDAR for everything, and sync as needed to various devices.
2 - It's nice if securely saved in the cloud, or otherwise backed up, in case you flush your phone or run over it with your car. Consider if you want auto-sync, or set up a reminder to manually do it frequently enough to save your from unnecessary stress.
3 - Quickly schedule appointments with needed and optional information as desired. There is nothing more annoying than having it take 2 min to create an appointment because it's so complicated. However, keep in mind there may be a learning curve as you are adapting to using your mobile calendar app to schedule everything, and you will likely get faster within a week or so.
4 - You may wish Tasks to be separate from appointments, and also have reminder options for Tasks. This is really personal preference. If your favorite app doesn't have separate Tasks, you can schedule a "Free" appointment with a reminder.
5 - Linked or inherent memos/notes is a nice feature if you have follow-up stuff you want to remember and access later.
6- Ability to schedule via voice-recognition. This is AWESOME when it works well. 'Nuff said.
7 - Ability to invite others. Or at least to sync to your desktop so you can invite others later.
8 - You may also want to your calendar data to download/upload or sync with apps like Contacts, Maps, CRM, or other apps that you use frequently for max productivity. For example, Google Calendar and DejaOffice both allow linking to a Contact when scheduling an appointment. This is very handy in case you need to let the person know you are running a few minutes late, or to read their LinkedIn profile while waiting for them, or to text and ask them how they like their coffee, etc, and also to track number of meetings with a person (ie for sales).
A couple other tips for maximum success:
*Schedule EVERYTHING that's important to you. Leaving things to chance, or to "free time" is folly in this world of perpetual busy-ness. If your intention is to get to the gym X days/week, schedule it in. If your intention is to visit your mom X times/month, schedule it in.
*If there is an appointment for it, keep it. Strange as it seems, not keeping an appointment you made for yourself is just as damaging as letting down a friend or client. When someone asks for a time slot that is not actually available, politely ask them if another option A or B works instead. Your clients (or friends) don't know what you are doing during that time slot (unless you tell them, and especially if your default calendar setting is "private").
To your continued success,
Heather A Legge
www.EnvisionSuccessInc.com Request a Strategy Session
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