Why I Use a Paper Planner..

The short answer here is that Google Calendar failed me more than once. There’s a longer and more dramatic story here though.

Long ago, on a dark and stormy night - or, wait… maybe it was a summer day just a few years ago. Yes, I think it was that one.

I double booked myself - not once, but twice. With the help of my trusty Google Calendar app. I was also sharing my massage room with another therapist which just compounded the whole situation.

Ever since that day, I swore off digital calendars for my business. I’ve never been a big fan of online booking for my massage practice either. (As many of you have noticed and tried to persuade me to modify!) What can I say - I like control.

I’m an introvert and I enjoy being able to measure out how I need to dispense my energy. Maybe there’s a day I want to leave free at the last minute, or I’ve had a continuing education class switch dates (true story). It’s nice to be able to write personalized messages to my clients to let them know these things. I’ve found using a planner is also helpful for keeping my boundaries.

(Have you ever seen the look on a client’s face when they’re pleading with you to book on a day you regularly take off? No - just picture a puppy face, but one where the fluff ball has big animated eyes and a slight head tilt. Try saying no to that!)

To recap, I love my paper planner because:

*I don’t let clients down by double booking myself.
*I feel a sense of control over my schedule.
*I’m able to maintain time boundaries for myself so I can recharge and be my best massage therapist self on days I’m working!

Do you have a business habit that goes against the norm? Please tell me I’m not alone!