Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Changes in our appointment & new dog systems

We've been trying to figure out a way to make it easier to book an appointment; and then what we can do for online purchasing of classes, and more.... So, Angie (our new admin) looked into a few different systems and combined with price and wanting a web-based system, we are going with "MindBody" http://www.mindbodyonline.com. Its a system that is used by yoga studios (even Ocean Yoga here in Pacifica uses it), spas, and gyms.

What I'm looking forward to is being able to let our clients find their own appointment times instead of having to go back and forth multiple times on email. Of course, we'll still be available to chat on email or talk to folks on the phone; but this will be an added convenience! This system will also allow our clients to have a login, store their credit card, buy memberships, classes, setup appointments, as well as send out reminder emails!

Google apps has done well for us, and we loved using the calendar to be able to 'magically' populate other people's blackberry's and work calendars, but doing the manual reminders and actually booking the appointments has remained cumbersome.

Other changes that we've made:

  • Followup Emails: We used to send these ("How's your dog doing?") after every swim however, it became rather repetitive for dogs that we saw every week, twice-a-week. Now, we're simply going to send them for our new dogs or when a dog improves/changes significantly.
  • Monthly Survey: We would like to send out a monthly survey to those who swam and may give you some suggested followup topics.
  • Credit Card Requests: In order to make an appointment with us, we are asking all clients to hold that appointment with a credit card.
  • Signup forms (new dog swims, classes, new massage dog): These will now be available online except for the waivers that still must be read and signed.


We're experimenting and trying new things. Wish us luck!

1 comment:

Danielle said...

I hope you enjoy your new MINDBODY system!

Danielle Murphy
Online Marketing Program Manager, MINDBODY
danielle@mindbodyonline.com