One recent study found that 86% of employees believe they’re most productive when working alone, free from the distractions of the office. If you’re a freelancer, that sounds like you’re more likely to be productive than someone who works in an office. If you’re a freelancer who doesn’t know how to manage your time, then perhaps not.
The good news is, that there are strategies you can employ to make better use of your time and keep you on track. We’re going to give you 4 of the best strategies for how to manage time better so you can take your freelancing business to the next level.
Why time management is essential
Time management allows you to complete projects on time. Learning to prioritize tasks and having sufficient time to complete and review will allow you to deliver better work. Both of these outcomes mean satisfied clients and the opportunity to take on more work.
A little-known but important benefit of time management is an improved personal life. If you can work more efficiently and effectively, you’ll have fewer overtime hours and more free time to enjoy.
How to manage time better
Freelancers have a particularly difficult experience with time management because their schedules are so flexible. But not learning effective time management can cost you clients and future projects. Follow these 5 strategies for how to manage time better and take your business to whole new levels.
1. Make a to-do list and rank the tasks
A to-do list is more than just a way to remember what you have to do, it’s also a visualization tool. The act of striking items off a to-do list as they’re completed gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Take your to-do list to the next level by ranking the tasks in order of importance. Prioritize tasks by which has the most positive effect on your work or your team.
2. Know your deadlines
You may find yourself with one week completely free and the next you’re up against three deadlines. But knowing your deadlines and planning your weeks will help you complete tasks in an organized, prioritized manner.
Write your deadlines down on a calendar. Calculate how much time you have to work on each and plan what days will be dedicated to what tasks.
3. Find your best work environment
Maybe you work best in a noisy café plugged or maybe you need a big comfortable couch to get work done. It’s important to know the environment in which you are the most productive.
This also means managing distractions. No matter where you’re working, your focus is key to completing tasks efficiently and effectively.
For example, if you can’t ignore your phone, put it on “Do Not Disturb”. If you have a tendency to turn the TV on, work in a space without that option.
Read More: This Is What to Do if You’re Unable to Work
4. Use technology to manage time
Project management and time tracking software can help you improve your time management skills. They’re specifically designed to help people like freelancers learn how to manage time.
There are many options for software that helps you manage deliverables with consistency and professional skill. They often come with visualization tools and intuitive calendars and they help you reduce the time you spend on paperwork and administration.
More technology that may help improve your life and manage time
Learning how to manage time better is an important step in improving your freelancing business. It will inevitably lead to happy clients, less stress, and the potential to take on more projects.
There’s plenty of technology out there that can help improve your business in other ways. Check out our technology section to learn more.
