If you are like any other busy professional, you live and die by your calendar. You schedule every moment of your life and every aspect of your job. But, when your most difficult clients start to take over your calendar, it can get out of hand.

With a little bit of effort and a much-needed backbone, you can gain control over your calendar again and focus on the clients’ needs at the same time. Below, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council give their recommendations on how any business professional can stay in control of their calendar when scheduling time with clients.

1. Determine What Type Of Client Interaction You Seek

Determine upfront what type of interaction you are seeking with the client, what success looks like with the time being scheduled, what level of preparation/socialization is required to meet your goal, and how to mitigate potential risks that could derail your agenda. While you could block off time on your calendar, scheduling is not always so black and white. Flexibility is key. – Christie Lindor, The MECE Muse

2. Set Up Reminders

Not only do you have to add your client appointments to all calendars (phone, laptop and paper planner in sync), you need reminders. Have a reminder the day before, an hour before, and even 15 minutes before. Appreciate the “buzz” and the occasional “ding” to keep you productive, on time, and seen by your clients as punctual and professional. – Dr. Keita Joy Ductant, The Leader’s Life Coach

3. Keep Meetings Efficient And Goal-Oriented