Calendly is a user-friendly scheduling tool that simplifies meeting coordination by allowing users to share their availability and let others book time slots, eliminating back-and-forth emails. It integrates well with various calendar systems, offers automatic time zone detection, and is easy to use. However, it doesn't accommodate Microsoft delegate access, which can be a significant limitation for executive assistants managing others' calendars. Additionally, its use can sometimes carry a reputation risk, as it may make employees appear lazy or impersonal for not handling scheduling directly. The free version also has limited features, which may not meet the needs of those managing more complex schedules.

It begs the question then: What tools are out there that might be a better fit for executive assistants? We offer three alternatives.

Cabinet

Cabinet is a specialized scheduling software designed for executive assistants, offering advanced scheduling features and team collaboration tools tailored to their unique needs. It provides wonderful support, custom features for enterprise clients, and ongoing training, making it ideal for EAs managing complex schedules and high-demand environments. However, it may be more feature-rich than necessary for those with simpler scheduling needs.

MixMax

MixMax is a powerful scheduling tool for EAs, offering seamless Gmail integration, automation features, and real-time tracking to streamline scheduling tasks. However, it has a steep learning curve, is heavily Gmail-dependent, and its advanced features come at a cost. While it enhances efficiency, the complexity might overwhelm those who only need basic scheduling functions.

Doodle

Doodle is a nice tool because it simplifies the scheduling process by allowing EAs to easily coordinate meetings with multiple participants. Its intuitive interface lets EAs quickly propose time slots, gather responses, and finalize meetings without the back-and-forth of emails.

Despite its strengths, Doodle has some drawbacks for executive assistants. It lacks advanced scheduling features like automatic time zone detection, which can complicate coordination for international teams. The free version of Doodle also has limited functionality, requiring a paid subscription for access to essential features like calendar integration and customization. Additionally, Doodle’s reliance on participants actively responding to polls can slow down the scheduling process, which may be frustrating for time-sensitive meetings.