If your business has customers spread out throughout the U.S. or across the globe, it is essential to always know the correct time when you are setting up appointments and scheduling meetings. By using a United States time zone map or a global time zone map, you will always know the time schedule.

A map of times zones can help you pinpoint which zone your customers operate in simply by entering their location. Also, if you want to set up meetings in advance, there are several services that will help you convert the time difference so both parties will know what time the appointment begins. Use a map of times zones for the following:

1. American time zone maps enable you to set appointments at times that are appropriate for all parties involved.

2. Use global time zone maps so you can keep track of your international customers even when there may be a time difference of several hours.

3. Use a time zone converter to help you find an appropriate time to contact an international customer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a North America time zone map to keep tabs on U.S. customers

North America time zone maps will help you to always know what time your customers operate. If you are unsure of their time zone, a map of time zones can pinpoint you in the right direction by searching for their location.

I recommend: Time Zone Lookup Info can help you pintpoint the time zone by searching for a location, area code or zip code. Time.gov will let you lookup the time for any time zone in the U.S.

Use a global time zone map to know the time zones across the world

If you have several international customers, you will need global time zone maps to ensure that you are contacting them at appropriate times. The maps will help ensure that you call the customers during daylight hours and not in the middle of the night.

I recommend: Use World Time Zone either by clicking on the location you want to contact or by searching by city. If you are just interested in knowing the times for certain world cities, personalize a time zone clock for just those locations at TimeAndDate.com.

Use a map of time zones when you are scheduling appointments

When you are scheduling appointments ahead of time with someone in another time zone, use a time zone converter so you will know exactly what time each party will be contacting each other. This will avoid confusion and help to ensure that both of you are available at the set time.

I recommend: American Express has a time zone calculator that will let you compare your time with any other location in the world. Use the Forex market time converter to view the market times for the cities you wish.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget to dial the country code when calling another country. Most time zone maps will also provide you with the country code.
• •  If you are constantly calling the same time zone, try to personalize a web page so you will be able to do a quick and easy time zone lookup.

Lookup time zones anywhere in the world to get accurate time information for that area. This is useful when you need to call someone in another state or country but you do not want to run the risk of waking the person in the middle of the night. If you need customer service in another state or country, you need their time zone information so you know if the customer service department is open when you want to make your call.

Check the global time zone map for best times to call overseas or check American time zone maps for good times to make phone calls in the US. Lookup time zones on time zone maps to find the following:

1. Find an American time zone map for the time zones across the country.

2. Choose a global time zone map for time zones around the world.

3. Compare map of times zones for best times to call other countries.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate North America time zone maps for city and state time zones

Not sure of the time zone in Chicago? Check the time zone maps and quickly find out the time zone, area code and even the zip code for cities you need to call.

I recommend: Time Zone Lookup provides the local time, time zone, zip code and area code for the city name that you provide. Phone Area Code Search provides the current local date, time and time zone for any city.

Use global time zone maps for the current time in other countries

When you need customer service in another country, it is useful to know their hours of operation, but you also need to know the time zone they operate in so you know if they are open when you make the call.

I recommend: TimesOwn Pro sells a clock for your computer that provides time zones for anywhere in the world. When you travel, you can easily change your computer time to the current local time and time zone for the length of your stay. World Time Zone provides the current time and time zone two ways, by clicking on the map or typing the city name into the search box.

Compare global time zone maps for best times to call

When the people you contact on a regular basis are scattered across the globe it is helpful to convert the time they live in to the time you live in. Then compare times that may be suitable for both parties to make those phone calls.

I recommend: Time Zone Converter provides a list of country names with the country code next to it. Click on the country code to get all the time zones in that country and convert them to GMT. Data Mystic allows you to convert time zones and then compares your time with your family or co-workers for optimum overlap times to make phone calls.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When calling other countries, make sure you enter the country code before the phone number or your call will not go through. Time zone lookup maps provide the country code along with the time zone of the city and country you need to call.