Scheduling Made Simple
Scheduling time to exchange messages with your mentor or mentee is straightforward with our integrated calendar system. Whether you're scheduling your first conversation or recurring communication times, this guide will help you coordinate availability, set expectations, and ensure both parties are prepared.
Step 1: Choose Your Scheduling Method
There are several ways to schedule messaging time:
- From Profile: Visit their profile and click "Schedule Time"
- From Messages: Use the calendar icon in your message thread
- From Dashboard: Access via your connections dashboard
- Via Booking Link: Use their shared availability link if provided
- Time Request: Send a request through the platform
Step 2: View Available Times
The scheduler will display their available time slots:
- Green slots indicate full availability
- Yellow slots show limited availability
- Grayed-out slots are unavailable or booked
- Times are shown in your local timezone
- Hover over slots to see time in their timezone
- Use week/month view to see more options
Tip: If you don't see suitable times, you can send a message suggesting alternative times or ask them to expand their availability.
Step 3: Select Date and Time
Choose the perfect time slot:
- Click on your preferred date and time slot
- Confirm the timezone is correct for both parties
- Check the duration (30, 45, or 60 minutes typical)
- Adjust duration if needed and available
- The system checks for conflicts automatically
Step 4: Add Communication Details
Provide important information for your scheduled conversation:
- Title: Brief, descriptive title (e.g., "Career Planning Discussion")
- Description: What you want to discuss via messages
- Topics: List topics or questions to address
- Preparation Notes: Any materials to review beforehand
- Goals: What you hope to accomplish during this messaging time
Pro Tip: Adding clear topics helps both parties prepare and makes your conversation more productive.
Step 5: Set Reminders
Configure when you want to be reminded:
- 24 hours before (recommended for preparation)
- 1 hour before (reminder to be available)
- 15 minutes before (final reminder to start messaging)
- Custom reminder times available
- Choose email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Step 6: Review and Confirm
Before finalizing:
- Double-check the date and time in both timezones
- Review communication details and topics
- Confirm reminder settings
- Click "Schedule Time" or "Send Request"
Important: If they require manual approval, your request will be pending until they confirm. Check your notifications for updates.
Step 7: Post-Scheduling Actions
After scheduling:
- Both parties receive confirmation email
- Scheduled time appears in your dashboard calendar
- Calendar event added to connected calendars
- You'll receive a notification when it's time to start messaging
- You can add notes before the scheduled time
- Reschedule or cancel option remains available
Recurring Communication Times
For ongoing mentorship, set up recurring messaging times:
- Toggle "Make this recurring" when scheduling
- Choose frequency: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
- Set end date or number of occurrences
- Same time and day each period
- Modify or cancel individual times as needed
- End recurring series at any time
Quick Scheduling Tips
Book in Advance
Schedule at least 48 hours ahead when possible. This gives both parties time to prepare and reduces last-minute conflicts.
Consider Time Zones
Always verify the time works for both parties. Use the timezone converter feature to avoid confusion.
Be Specific
Clear titles and discussion topics help everyone prepare properly and get more value from your messaging time.
Stay Flexible
Messaging allows for asynchronous communication, so you can exchange messages at your own pace during the scheduled time.
Handling Scheduling Conflicts
If you encounter conflicts:
- No Available Times: Send a message requesting additional slots
- Timezone Confusion: Use the built-in converter to clarify
- Double Booking: Cancel one scheduled time promptly and notify the other party
- Last-Minute Changes: Use the reschedule feature and communicate clearly
- Availability Issues: Consider asynchronous messaging if synchronous time is difficult
Scheduling Best Practices
- Schedule your first messaging time within a week of connecting
- Allow 48-72 hours notice for best participation
- Always include clear discussion topics
- Set realistic time windows - 30-60 minutes is typical for focused messaging
- Start your conversation on the platform messaging system
- Confirm availability 24 hours before the scheduled time
- Keep your availability updated to avoid scheduling issues
- Respect their time - be responsive and prepared during scheduled messaging times
- Remember: If both parties agree, you can share external contact details to communicate outside the platform