Hey everyone, welcome! We'll be discussing the question of whether you should automate your bookings.

This topic mainly applies to service-based business owners, like dog trainers, which happens to be my largest coaching section in the market.

As some of you may know, I started my business journey as a dog trainer, and I still actively engage in dog training.

In addition, I assist business owners in overcoming subconscious beliefs that hinder their progress, while implementing effective strategies to grow their business without burning out.

Flexibility and freedom in both business and life are top priorities for me, values that resonate with many of you.

If you want more flexibility in your business, one area to consider is decreasing your administration time.

The question arises: should you simply have a booking link on your website or Facebook page that displays the price, allowing people to book with just a click? Like any other business decision, this approach has its pros and cons.

Let's explore them further.

First and foremost, I want to mention that I've been utilizing automated bookings for my dog training business for a while now.

Clients can visit my website and easily book a lesson with a click. However, just because it works for me doesn't necessarily mean it's the right approach for everyone.

In fact, many dog trainers and service-based business owners who follow me should not rush into automating their bookings due to certain downsides, which I'll address shortly.

In various training groups, there's often a lively discussion about automated bookings.

Supporters argue that it saves time, filters out price shoppers, enables transparent terms and payments, and empowers potential clients to make quick decisions without the need for personal interaction.

However, this lack of personal interaction comes with its downsides.

You may not realize this if you're like many dog trainers who prefer to avoid phone conversations and limit direct interactions with people.

But here's the downside: it's easier to secure a sale and booking after having a conversation with the prospective client.

While phone conversations are more effective, even text conversations are more beneficial than relying solely on visitors making decisions based solely on the information on your website.

This lack of personal connection is a significant drawback to consider.

Automating your bookings becomes more relevant when you're already fully booked, struggling with administration tasks, and unable to return all calls promptly.

If you're already overwhelmed with your workload, implementing a booking link on your website that offers automatic scheduling and payment processing makes perfect sense. It streamlines your business, allowing for growth and improved efficiency.

However, if you're just starting out or haven't reached a point of consistent bookings, where you still need to actively seek clients, relying solely on an automatic booking link may not be the best choice. Missing out on inquiries can be detrimental to your business, especially if finding more clients is your top concern.

Let's not waste opportunities where people are visiting your content, page, or website and making decisions solely based on price rather than having a conversation with you. Engaging in a chat or phone call significantly increases the likelihood of converting inquiries into bookings. Moreover, personal conversations serve another crucial purpose: understanding your customers and target market.

Personal conversations allow you to gain valuable insights into your customers and target market. By engaging in conversations, you can ask questions, listen to their needs and preferences, and tailor your services accordingly. This level of understanding is crucial for providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships.

Furthermore, personal conversations enable you to address any concerns or hesitations a potential client may have. You can offer reassurance, clarify any uncertainties, and provide personalized solutions that align with their specific requirements. This level of personalization goes a long way in establishing trust and credibility with your clients.

While automated bookings can save you time and streamline your business, it's essential to find a balance between automation and personal connection. Instead of completely relying on automated bookings, consider using them as a complementary tool. Provide the option for clients to book online if they prefer, but also make yourself available for conversations and inquiries. This way, you can cater to different client preferences and ensure you're not missing out on valuable opportunities.

In conclusion, automated bookings can be a valuable asset for service-based business owners, helping to reduce administration time and streamline operations. However, it's crucial to consider the pros and cons, as well as the stage of your business and your specific needs. While automation can provide convenience and efficiency, personal conversations play a vital role in establishing connections, understanding your customers, and offering personalized solutions.

Ultimately, finding a balance between automation and personal connection is key. By leveraging both approaches, you can optimize your bookings, provide exceptional customer service, and foster meaningful relationships with your clients.

That wraps up our discussion on automating bookings for service-based businesses. I hope you found this video informative and helpful. If you have any questions or thoughts on this topic, please leave a comment below. And remember, whether you choose to automate or prioritize personal connections, what matters most is finding a solution that works best for your business and aligns with your values and goals.

Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next video!