How do you compare different calendar platforms and providers for executive calendar management?

2 Security and privacy

When choosing a calendar platform and provider, it is important to consider how secure and private they are. As an executive, you may have sensitive or confidential information on your calendar, such as client details, contract negotiations, or personal appointments, so you want to make sure that your data is encrypted in transit and at rest, that relevant regulations and standards are complied with, that you can control who can access and edit your calendar, that backup and recovery options are provided, and that your data is protected from breaches, hacks, or loss. Research the security and privacy policies of different calendar platforms and providers, look for reviews or testimonials to verify their claims, and ensure they have the necessary certifications.

3 Usability and reliability

As an executive, you need a calendar platform and provider that are easy to use, fast and responsive, compatible and consistent, up to date, bug-free, and supported and maintained. Don't waste time or energy on a calendar platform and provider that are confusing, slow, glitchy, outdated, or unsupported. To find the best one for you, try out different calendar platforms and providers yourself or ask for demos, trials, or feedback from other users. Also look for ratings, reviews, or awards that indicate their quality and performance.

4 Cost and value

When selecting a calendar platform and provider, it is important to consider the cost and value they provide. You want a platform and provider that is affordable, flexible, customizable, comprehensive, and beneficial. Avoid platforms or providers that are too basic, complex, rigid, or isolated. Research the prices, plans, features, and benefits of different options and calculate the return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) for each one. This will help you make an informed decision when choosing a calendar platform and provider.

5 Support and service

When choosing a calendar platform and provider, it is essential to consider the level of support and service they offer. As an executive, you want a provider that is friendly and helpful, with accessible technical support that is responsive and proactive to problem-solving. Furthermore, regular updates and improvements should be provided in a timely manner, with clear and honest communication and feedback. Avoid providers with unhelpful customer service, inaccessible technical support, ineffective problem-solving, delayed updates and improvements, or dishonest communication and feedback. To assess their level of support and service, contact different calendar platforms and providers or read their reviews, testimonials, or ratings.

6 Reviews and recommendations

When choosing a calendar platform and provider, it’s essential to consider the reviews and ratings, the loyalty of customers and users, the brand and reputation, the quality and performance, and the edge and value. You should avoid any platform or provider with negative reviews, unhappy customers, weak reputation, low quality, or similar edge and value. To ensure you make the right choice, research different calendar platforms online or ask for referrals from your network, peers, or experts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?