Task/Time Management Tools for Freelancers

Web Design | on Jul. 04, 2011 | by 0 Comments

Freelance work can be a challenge, not only physically, but mentally as well.  With all the time spent on the computer working on projects, can be a little overwhelming, at times.  In order to be successful a task/time management system is chief.

Below are some quick and easy task/time management tools for you to try:

Schedule Your Work Time


Time, like a stream, is constantly flowing.  It is something that needs to be used wisely.  Otherwise you run the risk being left behind.
Since time waits for no one, it is important to have strategies in place for time management with respect to yourself and your work.  It is impossible to get your work completed all at once.  Making it crucial, to set goals for the times that you are working.
A great way to do this is to create a schedule. In preparation of your schedule record, your activities from the second you get up and continue throughout the day.  In the evening take a look at it to see what changes need to be made.

Task Management

Creating a to-do list and abiding by it is the only way to stay sane and stress free.  Below are some applications to assist you with this:
•    Flow: It is not free, but it is very detailed.  They do have a fourteen day trial when you sign up, so you can check it out.
•    Google’s Task application: It comes with a Gmail account.  There you can set deadlines, set priorities and add tasks.
•    Remember the Milk: In addition to a list of things to do it has other features such as, the ability to share and manage your tasks and use Google calendar.
•    IPhone: Has a beloved time management application.

 

Keep First Meetings with Clients Brief
Reduce small talk and shillyshallying to a bare minimum, when meeting with new clients.  Don’t get sidetracked and speak only about work.  If they become long-term clients, of course you should change that rule.

Don’t Have a Rigid Schedule


Having a rigid schedule in place, ends of being nonproductive.  If you have your day set out from beginning to end, when something unexpected comes up, you will be totally off track.
As a freelancer, you have all day and evening to get your work done.  Leave a little room for interruptions so that you stay on course.

Focus


When you begin a task stay focused on it.  Fight the urge to surf the web.  When you begin a large project set it to be your first task.  This not only helps because you are fresh, you will also get a feeling of accomplishment.  This will become your driving force for the rest of the day.
As a freelancer, your biggest obstacle to overcome will be procrastination.  Your position comes with a lot of leeway, and it is very easy to put off work, for something more enjoyable.  By having a task/time management system in place it can stop you from going down the procrastination road.

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