Time is Money When You're a Freelancer: Be Sure To Get The Most Out Of It

As a freelancer, you’ll understand the importance of productivity more than most. Unlike employees who get paid a set wage regardless of the work they complete, you’ll only ever be paid for the work you do- meaning you understand the value of your time. You need to be making the absolute most of it, and working smart to get your tasks done and earn the money that you need. Here are a few ways you can improve your productivity and get the most out of your time.
Set up a workspace that promotes productivity
Clutter and mess can contribute to stress levels and actually reduce productivity. Your desk especially should be kept tidy as this is where you tend to spend the most of your time, however you should be thinking about your entire home office. Use light, neutral colours to make the space feel bigger and brighter, you could even include accents of blue which according to colour psychology can make us more productive at work. Plants are an easy way to add colour and texture and can also boost your mood. Get the lighting right, ideally your desk should be next to a window to make the most of the natural daylight, but a desk lamp or good overhead light if you’re working through to the evening will prevent eye strain and migraine. As a freelancer you probably work from home, but it’s not to say you should just work from your bed or the sofa. A proper setup gets you in a good frame of mind for work and getting things done.
Get the right software
The right software can save you time, money and hassle. Take accounting or invoicing software for example, these enable you to make light work of your finances and taxes making them easier to manage. Seriously fast file sharing enables you to quickly transfer documents between you and clients so that you’re not sitting around waiting. The software you need will depend largely on what your work entails, but do your research. Find the best programs, and utilise them to save yourself time. Manual methods are outdated, and are prone to human error as well as being time consuming to complete and maintain.
Outsource some tasks
Outsourcing is something that many small businesses take advantage of, but isn’t something you might have considered as a freelancer. However, it’s most definitely something to be aware of. Whether it’s hiring a marketing team to promote your website, or a blogger to update your blog, if you don’t have the time or skills to complete some tasks yourself then outsourcing is the answer. It can stop you from spreading yourself too thin, as you can focus on set tasks and you’re not trying to juggle everything. Let’s face it, there’s a lot to do when you’re self employed and earning money independently.
Freelancers- how do you stay productive and ensure you’re getting the most out of your time?