Daily Top Tip 8 - Simplify Scheduling with FindTime
In the fast-paced world of business and professional life, scheduling meetings and coordinating availability can be a cumbersome process. Coordinating multiple schedules, time zones, and preferences can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating experience. Fortunately, Microsoft offers a handy solution: FindTime. In this blog post, we’ll explore how FindTime simplifies scheduling and makes setting up meetings a breeze.
The Challenge of Scheduling
We’ve all been there – the endless back-and-forth emails trying to find a suitable time for a meeting, the numerous calendar checks, and the frustration that comes with trying to coordinate schedules. Scheduling can be a real productivity killer, taking valuable time away from actual work.
Meet FindTime: Your Scheduling Assistant
Microsoft recognised this scheduling dilemma and created FindTime as a dedicated solution within the Microsoft 365 suite. FindTime aims to simplify the scheduling process and minimise the effort required to find a meeting time that works for everyone.
How FindTime Works
FindTime operates as a simple but highly effective scheduling assistant. Here’s how it simplifies the process:
1. Install the FindTime Add-In:
– Start by installing the FindTime add-in in your Outlook account. You can find it in the Outlook AppSource or Office Store.
2. Create a New Meeting Poll:
– When you want to schedule a meeting, initiate the process by creating a new email in Outlook. In the email composition window, you’ll find the FindTime icon. Click it to create a new meeting poll.
3. Define Meeting Options:
– Specify the meeting options, including the proposed meeting dates and times, the duration of the meeting, and any constraints or preferences.
4. Invite Participants:
– Add the email addresses of the participants to your meeting poll. FindTime will automatically suggest available time slots based on the participants’ calendars.
5. Send the Meeting Poll:
– After setting up your meeting poll, send it to the participants. They will receive an email with a link to the poll, where they can choose their preferred time slots.
6. FindTime Does the Rest:
– FindTime aggregates the participants’ responses and identifies the most suitable meeting time based on everyone’s availability. You receive an email notification with the meeting’s final date and time.
Benefits of FindTime
FindTime offers several advantages for simplifying scheduling:
1. Time-Saving:
FindTime automates the scheduling process, eliminating the need for back-and-forth emails and calendar checks.
2. Increased Participation:
By allowing participants to choose their preferred time slots, FindTime increases the likelihood of attendance.
3. Customisable:
You can customise meeting options to align with your preferences and constraints.
4. Seamlessly Integrated:
FindTime integrates directly with Outlook, making it a seamless and accessible scheduling tool.
5. Reduces Email Clutter: FindTime streamlines scheduling tasks, reducing the clutter in your inbox.
Conclusion: Simplify Your Scheduling
The days of the endless email chains for scheduling meetings are behind us, thanks to FindTime. This Microsoft 365 solution simplifies scheduling, saving you time and effort. By automating the process and allowing participants to choose their preferred time slots, FindTime enhances productivity and ensures that your meetings are both efficient and well-attended. Say goodbye to scheduling headaches and hello to effortless, streamlined meeting coordination with FindTime.