How to Find a Meeting Time That Works for Everyone

Doğa Kaplan
November 7, 2024
7
 min read
Contents

Finding a time to meet shouldn't feel like a part-time job. Yet here we are, drowning in email threads filled with "when can you meet?" and "Sorry, that time slot for meeting doesn't work." We've all been there trying to coordinate meeting times, and we all know there has to be a better way.

In this guide, we'll share some tips and tricks to make group scheduling less painful and help you find times that work for everyone. Plus, we'll introduce you to Zeeg. It's like having a really organized friend who happens to be very serious about privacy (they're German, after all).

How to Find a Meeting Time That Works for Everyone

Now that we know what doesn't work, let's focus on what does. With the right tactics, finding a suitable time to meet doesn't have to be such a headache. These tested-and-approved tips will help you coordinate meeting times as effectively as it can be.

1. First things first: find a meeting scheduling tool

If you're still trying to find a meeting time that works for everyone through email chains, you're doing it the hard way. The right scheduling software can turn hours of back-and-forth into a few simple clicks.

The best way to schedule a meeting with multiple attendees is to let technology do the dirty work. Modern meeting schedule tools look at everyone's calendars as well as time zones, and suggest times that work for the whole group. No more spreadsheets, no more "sorry, that time doesn't work" messages.

What should you look for in a scheduling tool? Start with the basics:

  • Calendar integration that actually works
  • Simple group scheduling features
  • Automatic time zone handling
  • Professional booking experience
  • Clear availability management

That's where Zeeg comes in. Built with privacy in mind, it handles all the scheduling essentials while keeping your data secure. Plus, it connects with tools you already use - from Google Calendar to Outlook, Zoom, and beyond.

2. Stop guessing, start sharing time slots

Now, the old way of scheduling - throwing out random dates and hoping they stick - just doesn't cut it anymore. Instead of playing the waiting game, start by sharing your meeting time availability. This turns things from a guessing game to actual and effective coordination.

Also, don’t forget to share your calendar blocks beforehand, whether it's "Tuesday afternoons work best" or "I have time slots for meetings between 2-4 PM." When you schedule a meeting time this way, you're not just suggesting options - you're showing real availability for meetings. If you have standard meeting hours, make sure to add them as well.

Pro tip: If you're using a calendar app, set up your standard meeting hours there as well. This way, you can quickly take a look at your meeting times instead of digging through your calendar every time someone asks to find a meeting time that works.

3. Set your availability properly

A messy calendar is like a messy desk - it just makes everything harder. Your schedule should show your actual day, not just the official meetings. Getting this right from the start will save you a lot of time, and keep your life outside work on track as well.

First things first: block off your regular stuff. That weekly team sync, your lunch break, the time slots for meetings you need for deep work - it all goes in. Then think about when you actually want to schedule a time to meet. Maybe you're a morning person who crushes it before noon, or you need your afternoons free to focus. And please, give yourself some breathing room between calls. Back-to-back meetings are nobody's friend and won’t do you any good.

But most important of it all - keep it real and keep it updated. When things change, your calendar should too. Because when someone's trying to find a time that works, they need to see what's actually possible, not what you hoped would be possible three weeks ago. This way, others can easily find meeting times that work for both of you.

4. Let everyone pick their best meeting time

Stuck trying to find a time that works for everyone? Meet your new best friend: meeting polls. Instead of drowning in email replies, let people mark when they're free and watch the perfect slot appear naturally.

Think of it like taking votes for your next meeting time. You suggest a few slots, and everyone checks off when they can make it. No more piecing together responses like "Tuesday might work" or "I'm free after 3." Just clear yes or no answers that help you coordinate meeting times without the usual chaos.

Most scheduling tools (Zeeg included) make this very easy. Share one link, let people mark their availability, and boom - you've found your meeting time. Plus, it's way easier than tracking responses in your head or building some random spreadsheet.

Quick tip: when you set up your poll, give people enough options but not too many. Three to five time slots usually does the trick. Any more and you're just making it harder to find the perfect time where everyone's free, yes - even that guy that has +10 meetings a day. 

5. Coordinate meeting times early for success

Looking to find a meeting time that works for everyone? Start early. The more time you give people to check their calendars and respond, the better your chances of getting everyone together.

Think about it - when you try to schedule a meeting at the last minute, you're competing with already-packed calendars and high-priority tasks. But when you plan ahead, you've got more slots to work with, and people have more flexibility to move things around if needed.

Here's a rule of thumb: for regular team catch-ups, aim for at least a week's notice. For bigger meetings with multiple attendees or client sessions, try to get it on the calendar two weeks out. This gives everyone breathing room to find the perfect time slot for meeting.

Of course, sometimes last-minute meetings are unavoidable. But making advance scheduling your default habit? That's a game-changer for getting everyone in the same room (virtual or not).

6. Can't find a time to meet? share the recording

Not everyone could find a mutual time to meet. It happens. But missing a meeting shouldn't mean missing out on important updates. That's why recording your session or sending a quick video update is a game-changer.

Instead of trying to squeeze everyone into the same time slot, record your key points and share them. Think of it as a TV show's "previously on" segment - hit the important stuff, keep it clear, and make it easy to digest. Whether it's a full meeting recording or a quick summary video, you're still keeping everyone in the loop. 

Remember - the goal isn't just to find meeting times that work, it's to keep everyone informed. Sometimes, the best way to do that isn't a meeting at all.

7. Share your meeting availability through smart links

Sharing your calendar link might seem simple, but there's actually an art to it. It's more than just a link - it's also a tool to help people find meeting times that work. That's why you should make it clear what people are signing up for right from the start.

Is it a quick 30-minute chat or a deep-dive workshop? Give them the full picture upfront. Nobody likes clicking a time slot for meeting only to find out their quick check-up is actually a two-hour workshop. Trust me, I’ve been there myself.

And remember to keep it simple. Your guests shouldn't need to write their life story just to meet you. Pick time slots for meetings that actually make sense for what you're planning, and make booking as easy as possible. After all, the goal isn't just to get a meeting date on the calendar - it's to find a time that works for everyone at the right moment.

Tips to find a meeting time that works (for every scenario)

Different meetings need different approaches. What works for a quick team sync won't necessarily work for a board meeting. Here's how you can coordinate meeting times in common situations.

Handle time zones first

It cannot be emphasized enough: whatever you do, do not forget about the timezone differences. That perfect 9 AM team catch-up you planned? It's forcing someone to log in at midnight. Not exactly the recipe for a productive discussion, is it?

Map out where everyone's based. With global teams, you'll need to get creative with meeting time availability - maybe try moving that afternoon meeting slot to morning so your Asia team can get their beauty sleep as well. Finding times that work across regions takes just a bit of effort, but it's absolutely worth it for meetings where people can actually focus.

Here's what's fair: take turns with the odd hours. This week London might need to stay late, but next week New York takes the early shift. Share the load, and suddenly coordinating meeting times across zones will feel less like solving a puzzle and more like basic teamwork. With this approach, you can easily find common meeting times that work for your whole team.

The best tools and features only work if you use them right. Here's what you need to know about setting up a system that actually helps and not ends up confusing you and your team.

Handle recurring meetings easily

Finding meeting times for weekly or monthly catch-ups? Lock in a consistent slot that becomes part of everyone's routine. Instead of having to coordinate schedules every single week, set a rhythm that works for the whole team.

Get ahead of the game by planning a few weeks out. When people know their Tuesday morning is always team time, you'll deal with fewer scheduling conflicts. Just remember to check in every few months - as your team grows or shifts, your perfect meeting time might need to shift too.

Follow through effectively

Once you've found that perfect time (congratulations!), don't let good planning go to waste. Send calendar invites immediately while details are fresh. Include everything they need: meeting link, agenda, and prep materials.

Set up smart reminders based on the meeting type. A quick sync needs just a short heads-up; a client presentation might need a day's notice. And always keep rescheduling simple - because sometimes plans change, no matter how well you coordinate.

Master group scheduling

Getting 10+ people to find a time that works for everyone can feel impossible. Yet it doesn't have to be. Start with your key players - the ones who absolutely must be there. Once you have their availability for meetings, finding slots for others becomes much easier. For sales teams especially, automated round-robin scheduling can make group coordination much easier.

But in general, make sure to use features that let everyone share their meeting time availability. Set a clear deadline for responses using polite and persuasive meeting request emails, and always have a backup meeting date ready, because with large groups, last-minute changes are basically Murphy’s Law.

Schedule client meetings the right way

When meeting with clients, flexibility and professionalism are key. Give them multiple options to find a time to meet, but keep it focused - three or four time slots usually hit the sweet spot. Understanding different types of appointments will also help you choose the right approach.

You found the perfect meeting time - now what?

So you've managed to find a time that works for everyone. Great! But getting people together is only half the battle. Now it's time to make sure that slot in everyone's calendar is worth it.

A meeting without an agenda is like a road trip without a map - you might get somewhere, but probably not where you meant to go. When you schedule a time to meet, take a few minutes to outline:

  • What needs to be discussed,
  • Who's leading each topic,
  • How long you'll spend on each point,
  • What decisions need to be made

Learn how to make an appointment, and share this plan when you send the calendar invite. This way, everyone knows exactly what to prepare and what to expect. It shows you respect the time people blocked off in their busy schedules.

Remember - people agreed to this meeting time because they thought it would be valuable. A clear agenda helps deliver on that promise.

Simplify meeting coordination with Zeeg

Now, the best technology should feel invisible - it should handle the meeting time coordination while you focus on what matters: the actual meetings. For these exact reasons, Zeeg takes care of the scheduling logistics so you don’t have to. Built in Germany with a strong focus on data privacy, Zeeg helps teams find the perfect meeting slots for you and your business. How? Let’s walk you through it.

Easy group scheduling: Zeeg's collective appointment feature makes it simple to coordinate meeting times. It analyzes your group schedule availability and suggests perfect slots automatically. Instead of going through calendar after calendar, you get clear options from the start that work for your whole team.

Smart calendar management: Forget about manual calendar updates. Zeeg connects with your existing calendar to show your real meeting time availability. This means when someone needs to schedule a meeting with you, they'll see exactly when you're free. No double bookings, no time zone confusion - just a clear view of time slots that actually work.

Professional Booking Experience: Share your Zeeg link and let others easily book you. They'll see your available slots, pick a meeting time, and get instant confirmation.

Secure and Reliable: Privacy matters, especially when doing business meetings. Zeeg takes this seriously with:

  • Full GDPR compliance for data protection,
  • European server hosting,
  • Secure booking links,
  • Enterprise-grade infrastructure

Simple Plans for Better Scheduling: Start free with basic scheduling, upgrade to Professional (7€/month) for more features, or go Business (12€/month/user) for full team capabilities. All plans start with a free trial to help you coordinate meeting times your way.

How to find a time to meet with Zeeg

Skip the scheduling dance and let Zeeg handle finding that perfect meeting time. Whether you're coordinating a quick team sync or managing client meetings, here's how Zeeg makes it simple:

  1. Share your availability: Just set your preferences once and share your booking link. No more listing out times or playing email ping-pong. Your calendar stays in sync, so people only see times when you're actually free.
  2. Let others pick what works: Instead of asking "when can you meet," let people choose from your available slots. They get a clean, professional booking experience - just click, confirm, and done.
  3. Handle the details automatically: Zeeg takes care of everything else: time zones convert automatically, calendar invites go out right away, reminders get sent on time, and rescheduling is straightforward if needed.

Take the pain out of scheduling

We've walked through everything you need to know about finding time that works for everyone. From setting clear parameters and sharing your availability upfront to managing time zones thoughtfully, good scheduling is all about the right approach. We've seen how to handle different scenarios - best way to schedule a meeting with multiple attendees, setting up recurring team catch-ups, or managing client meetings professionally.

The right tools make all the difference. That's where Zeeg comes in, turning scheduling headaches into smooth sailing with smart calendar management, secure handling of your data, and features that actually match how you work.

Ready to transform how you schedule? Try Zeeg for free.