Mastering Appointment Scheduling: How to Make a Booking System on Google Calendar
Ever found yourself drowning in a sea of emails, phone calls, and back-and-forth messages just to nail down a simple appointment? I certainly have. For years, juggling client meetings, team check-ins, and even personal appointments felt like a chaotic juggling act. It wasn't just time-consuming; it was a recipe for missed opportunities and frustrating scheduling conflicts. That’s precisely why I dove deep into exploring how to make a booking system on Google Calendar, and I’m here to tell you, it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re a freelancer trying to manage client consultations, a small business owner scheduling service appointments, or even an educator coordinating student meetings, a well-implemented Google Calendar booking system can be your secret weapon for efficiency and professionalism.
So, to answer the core question directly: **You can make a booking system on Google Calendar primarily by leveraging Google Calendar’s built-in "Appointment Slots" feature and, for more robust needs, by integrating with third-party booking tools that connect to your Google Calendar.** This article will guide you through both approaches, offering detailed steps, practical advice, and insightful commentary to help you create a seamless booking experience for yourself and your clients.
The Power of Google Calendar for Bookings: Beyond Just Meetings
For many of us, Google Calendar is already an integral part of our daily lives. We use it to track work deadlines, family events, and social gatherings. But its capabilities extend far beyond simple event scheduling. When we talk about making a booking system on Google Calendar, we're essentially talking about transforming it into an automated receptionist, a tireless assistant that can handle the complexities of appointment setting without human intervention. This is particularly empowering for solopreneurs and small teams who might not have the resources for dedicated administrative staff.
I remember my early days as a freelance writer. I'd spend hours each week just responding to "What time works for you?" emails. It was exhausting, and often, potential clients would go elsewhere because the process felt too cumbersome. Discovering how to make a booking system on Google Calendar felt like unlocking a superpower. Suddenly, I could offer my availability directly, and clients could book themselves, freeing up my time to actually do the work I was hired for.
The beauty of using Google Calendar as the foundation for a booking system is its ubiquity and familiarity. Most people already have a Google account and understand how to use Calendar. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for both the service provider and the person making the booking. Plus, it keeps everything neatly organized within a single, powerful tool.
Method 1: Utilizing Google Calendar's Native "Appointment Slots" Feature
Google Calendar’s built-in "Appointment Slots" feature is the most straightforward way to create a booking system directly within your existing calendar. It’s designed for situations where you want to make specific blocks of time available for others to book. Think of it as opening up certain "office hours" that others can claim.
Understanding Appointment Slots: The Core ConceptAppointment Slots allow you to define periods of time during which you are available for appointments. You can set the duration of each appointment, and Google Calendar will automatically create a booking page where people can see your availability and select a slot. When someone books a slot, a calendar event is automatically created for both of you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Appointment Slots Let’s break down the process of how to make a booking system on Google Calendar using Appointment Slots. This is where the magic truly begins. Open Google Calendar: Navigate to calendar.google.com. Make sure you are logged into the Google account you want to use for your booking system. Create a New Event: Click the “Create” button in the top left corner, or click directly on a time slot in your calendar. Select "Appointment slot": In the event creation pop-up, you'll see an option to select "Appointment slot" instead of just "Event." Click on this. Set Your Availability: Title: Give your booking slot a clear title, such as "Consultation Booking," "1-on-1 Meeting," or "Service Appointment." Date and Time: Define the overall period during which these slots will be available. For example, you might set it for every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 AM to 12 PM for the next month. General availability: You can specify the days and times you want to be available. For instance, "Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM." You can also set recurring availability (e.g., "Repeats weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays"). Duration: Choose how long each individual appointment should be. Common durations include 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour. This is crucial for managing your time effectively. Number of slots per interval: For most individual booking needs, this will be '1'. If you were coordinating group sessions, you might explore this further, but for a standard booking system, '1' is what you'll want. Add Appointment Details: Description: This is where you provide crucial information for the person booking. Explain what the appointment is for, what they should prepare, any prerequisites, or links they might need (e.g., a video conferencing link if it's a virtual meeting). Location: Specify if the appointment is in-person (provide the address) or virtual (provide a Google Meet link, Zoom link, or other relevant details). Configure Booking Page Settings: Booking window: This is a very important setting. You can control how far in advance or how close to the appointment time someone can book. For example, you might not want bookings made less than 24 hours in advance, or you might want to close bookings 2 hours before the start time. This gives you breathing room to prepare. Maximum bookings per day: You can limit the total number of appointments a person can book per day if needed, though this is less common for individual slots. Allow booking for rescheduled appointments: If a slot is already booked and then rescheduled, this setting determines if it becomes available again. Set Up Confirmation and Reminder Emails: Confirmation email to client: Ensure this is turned on. It reassures the client and provides them with all the details. Reminder email to client: This is absolutely vital for reducing no-shows. Set a reminder for a reasonable time before the appointment (e.g., 24 hours, 1 hour). Customize emails: You can add custom messages to these emails. This is a fantastic opportunity to reiterate important information or include a friendly closing. Save Your Appointment Slots: Click the "Save" button. Google Calendar will then prompt you to create a booking page. Access and Share Your Booking Page: Google Calendar will usually show you a link to your booking page. You can also find it by going to your appointment slots event, clicking the three dots (More options), and selecting "Go to booking page." Copy this link and share it with clients, customers, or colleagues via email, your website, social media, or any other communication channel. My Personal Experience with Appointment Slots: The Good, The Bad, and The "Workarounds"When I first started using Appointment Slots, I was thrilled. It was so simple to set up, and the idea of clients self-booking was revolutionary for my small business. The automatic event creation in both my calendar and theirs was a huge time-saver. It genuinely reduced my administrative burden overnight.
However, I quickly ran into a few limitations. The biggest one was customization. While you can add descriptions and set reminders, the look and feel of the booking page are quite basic. For a brand that wants to convey a specific aesthetic or provide a highly branded experience, it can feel a bit… generic. I recall a client mentioning that the page looked like any other Google Calendar booking page, and while that’s true for its functionality, it wasn’t quite aligning with the premium service image I aimed to project.
Another challenge I encountered was managing availability across multiple calendars or different types of appointments. If I had different types of consultations (e.g., a free 15-minute intro call versus a paid 1-hour strategy session), setting up separate Appointment Slots for each could become a bit unwieldy. It works, but it requires meticulous management of each set of slots.
Also, while the automatic event creation is fantastic, the default event titles for the booked appointments can sometimes be a little plain. You can edit them after booking, but that defeats some of the automation. I found myself frequently editing the "Guest added" events to make them more descriptive.
Despite these quirks, Appointment Slots remain an excellent starting point for anyone asking how to make a booking system on Google Calendar. For many, especially those just starting out or with straightforward booking needs, it’s more than sufficient. The key is to leverage its strengths and be aware of its limitations.
Tips for Maximizing Your Appointment Slots SetupTo make the most out of the Appointment Slots feature, consider these practical tips:
Be Crystal Clear in Your Descriptions: Never assume your clients know what to expect. Use the description field to outline the purpose of the booking, what they need to bring or prepare, and any payment information if applicable. Use a Dedicated Calendar: For better organization, create a separate Google Calendar specifically for your booking slots and booked appointments. You can name it "Bookings," "Appointments," or something similar. This way, you can easily toggle its visibility and manage it independently. Integrate with Your Primary Calendar: Ensure your booking calendar is synced with your main Google Calendar. This prevents double-bookings by showing your available appointment slots alongside your existing meetings and events. You can do this by sharing your booking calendar with your primary calendar or by ensuring your booking calendar is visible when you set up appointments. Leverage Google Meet for Virtual Appointments: When setting up your appointment slots, you can add a Google Meet conference link. This automatically generates a virtual meeting room for each booking, simplifying the process for remote clients. Set Realistic Booking Windows: As mentioned earlier, the booking window is your friend. Don't allow last-minute bookings if you need time to prepare. Similarly, don't make slots available too far into the future if your availability changes frequently. Test Thoroughly: Before sharing your booking page link, book a test appointment yourself. Go through the entire process as if you were a client to identify any potential confusion or friction points. Check that the confirmation emails arrive and that the events appear correctly in your calendar. Keep Your Main Calendar Updated: Appointment Slots only block out time for *new* bookings. If you have existing meetings or personal commitments that you don't want to be booked over, you *must* manually block those times on the calendar where you've set up your appointment slots. This is a critical point for preventing double-bookings. When Appointment Slots Might Not Be EnoughWhile incredibly useful, the Appointment Slots feature has its limitations, especially for businesses with more complex scheduling needs. If you find yourself needing features like:
Custom Branding: A booking page that matches your company’s look and feel. Payment Integration: The ability to collect payment at the time of booking. Client Management Features: Storing client information, booking history, and notes. Team Coordination: Allowing multiple team members to manage bookings or assigning specific team members to appointments. More Advanced Rules: Complex buffer times between appointments, specific service durations that vary, or dynamic availability based on certain conditions. Automated Workflows: Sending follow-up surveys, automatically adding clients to email lists, or triggering other automated actions.…then you'll likely need to explore third-party booking tools. This brings us to the next method for how to make a booking system on Google Calendar.
Method 2: Integrating Third-Party Booking Tools with Google Calendar
For businesses and individuals with more sophisticated booking requirements, integrating a dedicated third-party booking system with Google Calendar is the way to go. These tools offer a wealth of features that go far beyond what native Appointment Slots can provide, while still using your Google Calendar as the central hub for your availability.
Why Consider a Third-Party Booking System?I’ve personally found that as my business grew, the limitations of basic Appointment Slots became more apparent. I needed a more professional presentation, the ability to charge for consultations, and better ways to manage different service types. That’s when I started researching booking tools that integrate with Google Calendar. The benefits are numerous:
Professional Appearance: Branded booking pages that reflect your business identity. Enhanced Functionality: Features like payment processing, client management, automated intake forms, and multiple service options. Team Management: If you have a team, these tools often allow for round-robin assignments, specific staff member booking, and calendar syncing for everyone. Streamlined Workflows: Automate more complex tasks like sending detailed questionnaires before a meeting or scheduling follow-up sessions. Data and Analytics: Gain insights into booking patterns, popular services, and client behavior. Popular Third-Party Booking Tools that Sync with Google CalendarThere are many excellent booking platforms available, and a good number of them integrate seamlessly with Google Calendar. Here are a few widely recognized options, each with slightly different strengths:
Calendly: One of the most popular and user-friendly options. It's known for its straightforward setup, intuitive interface, and robust integrations. Calendly syncs with your Google Calendar to show real-time availability. It offers a free tier for basic scheduling and paid plans for more advanced features like group events, custom branding, and payment integrations. Acuity Scheduling (now part of Squarespace Scheduling): A powerful and flexible tool often favored by service-based businesses. It offers extensive customization for booking pages, intake forms, payment processing, and package deals. It syncs with Google Calendar to prevent double-bookings. Setmore: Another feature-rich booking platform that integrates with Google Calendar. Setmore offers a free plan with a good set of features, including online payments, automated email reminders, and calendar sync. Paid plans unlock more advanced capabilities. SimplyBook.me: Known for its extensive customization options and a wide array of add-ons. It supports multiple languages, currencies, and offers features like loyalty programs and package booking. It syncs with Google Calendar to manage availability. Appointy: Offers a comprehensive suite of tools for appointment scheduling, including online booking, staff management, and marketing features. It integrates with Google Calendar for seamless availability management. How Third-Party Integrations Work: The Underlying MechanismThe magic behind these integrations lies in how they communicate with your Google Calendar. Typically, when you set up a third-party booking tool, you grant it permission to access your Google Calendar. This access allows the booking tool to:
Read your calendar: To see when you are busy and unavailable (events that are already on your Google Calendar). Create events: When someone books an appointment through the third-party tool, it automatically creates a corresponding event on your Google Calendar. Update events: If a booking is canceled or rescheduled, the tool can update the event on your Google Calendar.This two-way synchronization is what makes these systems so powerful. It ensures that your availability is always up-to-date across all platforms, preventing the dreaded double-booking scenario.
Setting Up a Third-Party Booking Tool (General Steps) While the exact steps will vary slightly depending on the tool you choose, the general process for how to make a booking system on Google Calendar using a third-party platform looks something like this: Choose Your Booking Platform: Research the options mentioned above (Calendly, Acuity, Setmore, etc.) and select the one that best fits your budget, features, and business needs. Many offer free trials, so you can experiment before committing. Sign Up and Create an Account: Go to the chosen platform’s website and register for an account. Connect Your Google Calendar: This is the most critical step. During the setup process, you will be prompted to connect your Google Calendar. Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically involve granting the booking tool permission to access your calendar data. You’ll usually choose which specific Google Calendar(s) the tool should read from and write to. It’s good practice to use a dedicated calendar for your bookings. Configure Your Availability: Set your general working hours: Define your standard business hours and days. Define buffer times: Set up buffer times before and after appointments to allow for transitions, preparation, or breaks. Block out personal time: Ensure any existing events or personal commitments on your connected Google Calendar are marked as "Busy" so the booking system automatically avoids those times. Set Up Your Services/Appointment Types: Define service names: e.g., "Initial Consultation," "Project Review," "Therapy Session." Set durations: Specify the length of each service. Set pricing: If you plan to charge, enter the price for each service. Add descriptions: Clearly describe what each service entails. Customize Your Booking Page: Add your logo and branding: Upload your business logo and choose colors that match your brand. Write a compelling introduction: Explain who you are and what you offer. Configure forms: Add custom questions to gather necessary information from clients before they book (e.g., "What is your main goal for this session?"). Set Up Payment Options (if applicable): Connect your Stripe, PayPal, or other payment gateway to process payments directly through the booking system. Configure Notifications and Reminders: Set up automated email or SMS notifications for booking confirmations, reminders, cancellations, and reschedules for both yourself and your clients. This is crucial for reducing no-shows. Publish Your Booking Page and Share: Once everything is set up, publish your booking page. You’ll receive a unique link that you can share on your website, in your email signature, on social media, or directly with clients. A Deeper Dive into Third-Party Integration Benefits (My Perspective)When I moved to using a third-party tool, the difference was immediate and profound. For instance, with Calendly, I could set up different event types: a "15-Minute Discovery Call" with a minimum 1-day notice and a 5-minute buffer, and a "60-Minute Strategy Session" with a 48-hour notice, a 15-minute buffer, and requiring a $100 payment upfront. This level of granularity was impossible with Appointment Slots.
The branding aspect was also a big win. My booking page now looks like a natural extension of my website, not a generic calendar pop-up. This professional touch instantly builds more confidence with potential clients. I also love the automated intake forms. Instead of sending a separate questionnaire, I now have specific questions embedded directly into the booking flow. This ensures I get the information I need *before* the meeting, making our time together far more productive.
Furthermore, the robust reminder system in tools like Acuity Scheduling has dramatically cut down on my no-show rate. Receiving an SMS reminder a few hours before a call is a gentle nudge that often makes the difference between a booked appointment and a missed opportunity.
When to Stick with Google Calendar's Appointment SlotsDespite the power of third-party tools, there are still valid reasons to stick with Google Calendar's native Appointment Slots for your booking system:
Simplicity is Key: If you only need to offer a few basic appointment slots and don't require advanced features, Appointment Slots are incredibly easy to set up and manage. Zero Cost: Appointment Slots are completely free, making them an excellent option for individuals or businesses on a tight budget. No Third-Party Reliance: You're not dependent on another platform’s service, pricing changes, or potential downtime. Everything is within the Google ecosystem. Internal Use: For scheduling internal meetings or simple availability sharing among a small, familiar group, Appointment Slots can be perfectly adequate.Frequently Asked Questions About Google Calendar Booking Systems
Let’s address some common questions that often arise when people are exploring how to make a booking system on Google Calendar.
How do I ensure my Google Calendar booking system prevents double-bookings?This is arguably the most critical aspect of any booking system, and Google Calendar handles it quite well through its synchronization capabilities. Whether you're using native Appointment Slots or a third-party integration, the core principle is that your booking system *reads* your Google Calendar to determine your availability.
For Native Appointment Slots:
When you set up Appointment Slots, you define specific blocks of time where you are available. Crucially, you need to ensure that any existing events on the *same calendar* where you’ve created your appointment slots are marked as "Busy." If you have a meeting already scheduled from 10 AM to 11 AM on your main calendar, and you've set up appointment slots that overlap with that time, those appointment slots will *not* be offered to clients. The system is smart enough to see that you’re already occupied. The key is meticulous management of your primary calendar. If an appointment slot is booked, Google automatically creates an event in your calendar, effectively blocking that time for future booking attempts. Therefore, the system inherently prevents double bookings by marking the booked time as unavailable.
For Third-Party Integrations:
Third-party booking tools like Calendly, Acuity, or Setmore work by connecting directly to your Google Calendar. During the setup, you grant them permission to access specific calendars. They will then read all events marked as "Busy" on those calendars and use that information to determine your real-time availability on their booking pages. When a client books a slot through the third-party tool, the tool simultaneously creates a corresponding event on your designated Google Calendar. This creates a two-way sync: your Google Calendar events block time in the booking tool, and bookings made in the tool block time in your Google Calendar. This dual locking mechanism is highly effective at preventing double-bookings.
Best Practice for Preventing Double-Bookings:
Use a Dedicated Calendar: For maximum clarity and control, consider creating a separate Google Calendar specifically for your bookings (e.g., "My Booking Availability"). Then, ensure your primary calendar is shared with or read by this booking calendar. Any personal appointments or other meetings should be blocked out on your *primary* calendar. The booking system then pulls availability from your primary calendar. Regularly Review: Even with automated systems, it's wise to occasionally review your calendar to ensure everything is as expected. Buffer Times: Always configure buffer times (e.g., 15 minutes before and after each appointment) within your booking system settings. This provides a safety net, ensuring you have a few minutes to wrap up one meeting and prepare for the next, even if timings are slightly off. How can I customize the appearance of my Google Calendar booking page?The level of customization for your Google Calendar booking page depends heavily on whether you are using the native "Appointment Slots" feature or a third-party booking tool.
Using Native Google Calendar Appointment Slots:
The native "Appointment Slots" feature in Google Calendar offers very limited customization for the booking page itself. The page is generated automatically by Google and generally adheres to Google's standard interface. You can customize:
The Title of the Slot: This appears at the top of the page. The Description: You can add detailed text, links, and instructions in the description area, which is displayed prominently on the booking page. This is your primary tool for conveying important information and adding a bit of personality. Location: Specifying a virtual meeting link (like Google Meet) or a physical address.You cannot change the fonts, colors, layout, or add your logo directly to the booking page generated by Appointment Slots. The page is functional but not highly branded. If branding is a priority, this is where you would typically look towards a third-party solution.
Using Third-Party Booking Tools:
This is where significant customization becomes possible. Platforms like Calendly, Acuity Scheduling, Setmore, SimplyBook.me, and Appointy are designed with branding and user experience in mind. When you use these tools, you can typically:
Upload Your Logo: Display your business logo prominently on the booking page. Choose Color Schemes: Select colors that align with your brand’s visual identity. Customize Layouts: Arrange how your services, availability, and booking forms are presented. Add Custom Text and Instructions: Write welcoming messages, detailed service descriptions, and specific instructions for clients. Embed Forms: Create custom intake forms to collect specific information from clients before they book. Personalize Confirmation Emails: Tailor the confirmation messages to include your brand voice and essential details.Essentially, third-party tools transform your booking page from a generic Google Calendar interface into a branded experience that reinforces your professional image.
Can I accept payments through my Google Calendar booking system?Again, the answer depends on your chosen method.
Using Native Google Calendar Appointment Slots:
No, the native "Appointment Slots" feature in Google Calendar does **not** have built-in payment processing capabilities. Google Calendar is primarily a scheduling tool, not a payment gateway. If you need to collect payments for your appointments, you would have to manage this separately. For example, you could send an invoice via email after a booking is confirmed or ask clients to pay in advance through a separate platform before you confirm their slot. This can, however, add friction to the booking process.
Using Third-Party Booking Tools:
Yes, this is one of the major advantages of using third-party booking platforms that integrate with Google Calendar. Most popular tools offer seamless payment integration with services like:
Stripe: A widely used and robust payment processor. PayPal: Another very popular option for online payments. Square: Often integrated, especially for businesses that use Square for in-person transactions.When you set up your services within these platforms, you can specify pricing and connect your chosen payment gateway. Clients can then securely pay for their appointments directly through the booking page at the time of booking or be directed to a payment page. This streamlines the entire process, from scheduling to payment collection, ensuring you get paid promptly and reducing the risk of no-shows for paid appointments.
How do I share my Google Calendar booking link with clients?Sharing your booking link is the final, crucial step to making your system accessible. The method of sharing will vary slightly depending on whether you used native Appointment Slots or a third-party tool.
For Native Google Calendar Appointment Slots:
Go to your Google Calendar. Find any event you’ve created for "Appointment slots." Click on the event to open its details. Click the three vertical dots (More options). Select "Go to booking page." This will open your unique booking page in a new tab. Copy the URL from your browser’s address bar. Share this URL with your clients via email, text message, social media direct message, or by embedding it on your website.For Third-Party Booking Tools:
Log in to your account on the third-party booking platform (e.g., Calendly, Acuity). Navigate to the section for sharing or your booking page link. Most platforms have a dedicated "Share" or "My Booking Page" section. You will find a unique URL provided by the platform. This link often includes your name or business name. Copy this URL. You can then share this link as you would with the native Google Calendar link: email, website, social media, etc.Pro-Tip: For maximum professionalism and ease of access, especially with third-party tools, consider adding your booking link to:
Your email signature. Your website's "Contact Us" or "Book Now" page. Your social media profiles (e.g., in your Instagram bio or LinkedIn contact information). Business cards. What if I need to book appointments for my team using Google Calendar?If you're managing bookings for a team, using Google Calendar’s native Appointment Slots becomes significantly more complex and less efficient. It's not designed for multiple individuals to manage their distinct availabilities through one central booking page for **their specific appointments**. While you *could* technically create separate appointment slots on a shared calendar, it quickly becomes unmanageable and prone to errors. This is where third-party booking solutions truly shine.
Using Third-Party Tools for Teams:
Most robust third-party booking platforms are built with team scheduling in mind. Here's how they typically work:
Individual Team Member Calendars: Each team member connects their own Google Calendar to the booking system. Availability Rules: You can set up complex rules for each team member’s availability, including their specific working hours, days off, and any personal time blocks. Assignment Options: Round-Robin: Appointments are automatically assigned to team members in a rotating order. This is great for ensuring an even distribution of workload. Round-Robin (Least Busy): The system assigns the appointment to the team member who has had the least amount of scheduled time recently. Client Choice: Clients can see a list of available team members and choose who they want to book with. Specific Person: If a client needs to meet with a particular individual, they can select that person. Unified Booking Page: Clients typically see a single booking page where they can select the service, and then either choose a team member or have one assigned to them automatically. Team Dashboards: Many platforms offer a dashboard where managers can oversee all team bookings, see individual workloads, and manage team availability.Platforms like Calendly (Team plans), Acuity Scheduling, Setmore, and SimplyBook.me are excellent choices for managing team bookings through Google Calendar. They simplify coordination and ensure that clients always have a clear and easy way to book with the right person on your team.
The Future of Google Calendar Booking: What to Watch For
While I'm not one to speculate wildly, it’s always interesting to consider how tools evolve. Google is constantly refining its suite of products. We might see future enhancements to Google Calendar's native booking features, potentially bringing more customization or integration options directly into the platform. However, for businesses needing highly specialized features, the third-party integration model is likely to remain the dominant and most flexible solution for the foreseeable future. The key takeaway is that Google Calendar is a robust foundation, and whether you build directly on it or integrate with specialized tools, you can achieve a powerful and efficient booking system.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Schedule with a Google Calendar Booking System
Learning how to make a booking system on Google Calendar is an investment that pays significant dividends in terms of time saved, reduced administrative burden, and an improved client experience. Whether you opt for the straightforward simplicity of Google Calendar’s native "Appointment Slots" or the advanced features of a third-party integration, the goal is the same: to streamline your appointment scheduling process.
For those starting out or with straightforward needs, Appointment Slots offer a free, easy-to-implement solution. For businesses seeking professional branding, payment processing, team management, and advanced automation, integrating with a third-party booking tool is the clear path forward. Both methods leverage the power and familiarity of Google Calendar, ensuring that your availability is accurately reflected and that clients can book with you effortlessly.
By following the steps outlined in this guide and considering the advice provided, you can confidently set up a booking system that works for you, frees up your valuable time, and contributes to a more professional and efficient operation. It’s about taking control of your schedule and letting technology do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on what you do best.