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Running your own business can be overwhelming, adding the complexity of managing multiple schedules of driving instructors can be daunting. There are so many decisions that need to be made. Taxes that need to be filed. Websites to update. Schedules and appointments to keep track of. It can often feel like there’s just too much for one person to do and guess what, you’re right! Why reinvent the wheel when you can outsource some of this work to others in a thoughtful, easy to use system?
When it comes to choosing a platform to support your growing driving school, there are many things to consider preliminary;
- How much does it cost?
- Will they support my expanding business?
- How easy is it to set up and learn?
- Will it contribute to or hurt my SEO?
- Who owns my data if I use this software?
- What will this software DO for me?
- How will this software make my life easier?
- Is it worth the money, time and effort of setting up?
- If I run into trouble, is someone there to help me?
- Is there an app for that?
- What do other businesses think of it?
Take a few minutes to also consider some things that are less obvious. How will the software platform assist you if you’re planning to expand your business into new service areas? Is it easy to setup/alter your existing platform? Does the software account for driving time between Drive School appointments?
Write a list of your pain points with your current system, even if you are not using official software, whatever method of organization you’re using probably has some pain points that your new software should address. The software you choose should be fully customizable and tailored to what makes YOUR life easier.
If you hire contractors, how simple is it to generate 1099s for them during tax season? How easy is it to generate revenue reports, or split commissions between different people?
Here is a list of strategic functionalities that will be pertinent when making your final software decision:
- Travel times between lessons
- Contractor management
- Business Expansion
- Zone Allocation management
- Built-in Suite of Reporting Tools to answer questions like how much you made last quarter, what is your current booking volume and much more.
- Marketing tools such as MailChimp extensions, Twilio, Constant Contact, CRMs, Rep. Management so that you’re actively reaching out and generating contact with potential customers.
- Any particular pain points that your current system isn’t handling well.
Discuss this list with the software sales team. If they don’t have a solution for you built into their platform, it’s time to move to the next platform!
BookingTimes is a customizable platform that’s truly adaptable to your unique needs. With many features such as appointment bookings, SMS text message reminders for your clients, streamlined invoicing and backend reporting.
P.S. BookingTimes carries all of this functionality. Our Business-In-A-Box model is fully customizable and tailored to your specific needs. Not sure about something in particular? Just ask, our responsive team of in house developers are capable of anything!