Managing Schedule Changes
Life happens, and sometimes you need to reschedule or cancel a messaging time. This guide will help you handle these situations professionally while maintaining good relationships with your mentoring connections. Learn when and how to make changes, and how to communicate effectively.
When to Reschedule vs Cancel
Reschedule When:
- You want to continue but need a different time
- There's a scheduling conflict you can work around
- You're committed to the mentorship relationship
- The other person is flexible with timing
Cancel When:
- You cannot commit to any alternative time soon
- There's an emergency or urgent situation
- The relationship isn't a good fit
- You need to take a break from mentoring
How to Reschedule a Messaging Time
Follow these steps to reschedule:
- Navigate to your dashboard or calendar
- Find the scheduled time you need to reschedule
- Click the three-dot menu on the scheduled time card
- Select "Reschedule Time"
- Choose a new date and time from available slots
- Add a brief explanation for the change
- Click "Send Reschedule Request"
Tip: Provide at least 24-48 hours notice when rescheduling. This shows respect for the other person's time.
How to Cancel a Scheduled Time
To cancel a scheduled time:
- Go to your upcoming scheduled times
- Locate the time you want to cancel
- Click the options menu (three dots)
- Select "Cancel Scheduled Time"
- Choose a cancellation reason from the dropdown
- Write a personalized message explaining why
- Confirm the cancellation
Important: Frequent cancellations can affect your reputation score. Always provide adequate notice and explanation.
Cancellation Notice Guidelines
More than 48 hours notice:
Ideal timeframe. No penalties. Easy to reschedule. Shows professionalism.
24-48 hours notice:
Acceptable with good reason. Provide detailed explanation. Offer specific alternative times.
Less than 24 hours notice:
Should be for emergencies only. May impact your reliability score. Send sincere apology.
Last-minute or no-show:
Serious impact on reputation. Account warnings possible. Contact support if it's an emergency.
Writing Effective Cancellation Messages
Your message should include:
- Prompt Notice: Inform as soon as you know you can't make it
- Sincere Apology: Acknowledge the inconvenience caused
- Brief Reason: Explain why without oversharing
- Alternative Options: Suggest new times (for reschedules)
- Appreciation: Thank them for understanding
- Commitment: Reaffirm your interest in continuing (if applicable)
Good Reschedule Example:
"Hi Sarah, I apologize for the short notice, but I need to reschedule our Thursday messaging time. An urgent work commitment just came up for that time. I'm still very interested in our conversation about product strategy. Could we message on Friday at 2pm or Monday at 10am instead? Thanks for understanding!"
Good Cancellation Example:
"Hi Michael, I sincerely apologize, but I need to cancel our scheduled time next week. I've had a family emergency that requires my immediate attention. I value our mentorship and would like to reconnect once things settle down. I'll reach out in about two weeks to reschedule. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time."
Responding to Reschedule Requests
When someone asks to reschedule your messaging time:
- Respond promptly (within 24 hours)
- Be understanding and flexible when possible
- Check your availability for their proposed times
- Suggest alternatives if their options don't work
- Confirm the new time clearly to avoid confusion
- Update your calendar immediately
Pro Tip: Being gracious about reschedules builds trust and shows you value the relationship over rigid schedules.
Handling Repeated Cancellations
If you or your connection repeatedly cancels:
- After 2 cancellations: Discuss scheduling challenges openly
- After 3 cancellations: Re-evaluate the relationship fit
- Consider: Different communication frequency or asynchronous messaging
- Be honest: If it's not working, it's okay to part ways respectfully
- Platform action: Excessive cancellations may result in account warnings
Emergency Situations
For genuine emergencies:
- Cancel the scheduled time immediately via the platform
- Send a brief message explaining it's an emergency
- Follow up when possible with more details
- Contact platform support if needed
- Don't worry about your reputation score - we understand emergencies happen
Note: Emergency cancellations with valid reasons won't negatively impact your account standing.
Recurring Schedule Changes
For recurring messaging times:
- Cancel Single Time: Affects only one occurrence
- Cancel Remaining: Cancels current and all future scheduled times
- Modify Series: Change time for all future occurrences
- Pause Series: Temporarily stop scheduled times with option to resume
- Always communicate changes clearly to avoid confusion
Platform Policies
Cancellation Limits
More than 3 cancellations in a month may trigger a review. Habitual cancellations can result in account restrictions or suspension.
No-Show Policy
Missing a scheduled time without notice is considered a no-show. Three no-shows result in account review and potential restrictions.
Reputation Impact
Your cancellation rate is visible on your profile. Maintain above 85% attendance for best matching opportunities.
Alternative Solutions
Before canceling, consider these options:
- Shorten Time: Reduce from 60 to 30 minutes of messaging
- Switch to Asynchronous: Exchange messages at different times instead of real-time
- Brief Check-in: Have a shorter conversation rather than canceling completely
- Postpone Topics: Address urgent items now and save deeper discussions for later
Best Practices Summary
- Provide maximum notice possible (48+ hours ideal)
- Always include a sincere apology and brief reason
- Offer specific alternative times when rescheduling
- Respond promptly to reschedule requests from others
- Be understanding when others need to cancel
- Keep cancellation rate below 15% for optimal reputation
- Use platform messaging for all cancellation communication
- Update your availability to prevent future conflicts
- Follow up to reschedule within a reasonable timeframe
- Contact support for questions or issues