Running a profitable freelance business can sometimes be as challenging as it is rewarding. At times, it can seem like there’s always something that needs to be done, and not enough hours in the day to do it!
Therefore, to avoid freelancer burnout, it makes sense to introduce healthy productivity and time management habits into your workflow that can help supercharge your business while you focus on doing what you love and helping your clients (without the overwhelm).
Here are 6 practical freelancer habits to consider:
1. Document your processes
When starting out, you’re likely to be performing some tasks for the first time, so it makes sense to document them and incorporate them into your everyday business processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
This has several benefits and is not just an ‘aide memoire’ for you. For example, if you hire others, outsource, or delegate work in the future, you’ll have practical documentation that details the process to refer them to.
This is also a great habit to adopt when working on a new client project. You can document your processes as you go, making project notes, creating templates, and so on, which can be useful for future projects.
These documented processes and templates, in addition to serving as a training aid, could also be repurposed into info products and templates for other freelancers or used as helpful lead magnets.
You could even discover a new way of streamlining a process, so documenting your processes and procedures is beneficial from several angles and an excellent habit to develop.
2. Send invoices immediately when due
How, when, and what you get paid will depend on your agreed-upon freelancer payment terms and conditions. For example, you may require a deposit before the project commences, get paid at the end of the project or at intervals throughout. Whatever your terms and conditions, it’s important you send out your invoice as soon as it’s due. This will reduce the likelihood of late payment and help with cash flow.
With Invoice Ninja, a leading free invoicing software, once you’ve sent your invoice, your clients can pay you with just 1-click without leaving their client-side portal. What’s more, you can turn an approved quote into an invoice or allow auto-conversion from client approval.
Invoice Ninja also includes multiple payment gateway options, professional invoice templates, automatic payment reminders, quotes, deposit invoices, recurring invoices, time and task tracking, and lots more to ensure you get paid quickly, hassle-free, and on time.
Try it for free here.
3. Keep up to date with industry trends (and always be learning)
This can manifest as a daily habit to check in with online business groups you are a member of, a weekly practice where you spend a few hours brushing up your skills and industry knowledge, or a monthly or longer interval habit where you attend networking events, workshops, or courses.
The great thing about this habit is that there is no downside to learning, improving your skills, and authentically connecting with others online or in person at events. You simply need to schedule time to do it and stick to it.
By improving your skills and knowledge, you can also increase the rates and services you offer to your clients. Plus, networking with others increases the likelihood of referrals and new business opportunities.
You can even set up your own events. Find out more at EventSchedule.
4. Know your numbers
It’s a good idea to make it a habit to check what money is coming in and what is due out of your freelance business.
While you probably don’t need to check your bank balance every day, you should make a habit of checking in at regular intervals to make sure your freelancer money goals are on track and ensure all invoices have been paid (accounts receivable) and business expenses that are due out (accounts payable) are up to date.
The sooner you discover any discrepancies, the better. For example, unpaid invoices can negatively impact your cash flow and potentially put an easily avoidable strain on freelancer-client relationships.
This is where automated reminders come into play. With the Invoice Ninja Pro Plan, you can create custom email reminders based on the invoice date or invoice due date. You can set them up to be sent automatically at the frequency and timing of your choice. You can set ‘First, Second, Third’ or ‘Endless’ reminders to ensure that invoices are not overlooked and you receive payment on time.
5. Spend time offline
Schedule time to be offline. Or, if you must be online to perform your role, at least be mindful of the time you spend scrolling through online content.
Develop a habit of giving yourself a break during the day and going device-free, or at least away from excessive social media consumption. It might be as simple as turning off your devices and going for a walk outside during your lunch break, scheduling time for a short meditation practice, or doing some stretching throughout the day.
Whatever activity you enjoy, whether it’s a creative hobby or something more vigorous, take time out to be away from the digital world. These breaks can also boost ideas and creativity.
Regular exercise, taking breaks, having a mini digital detox, proper rest and prioritizing sleep are all habits that boost your energy and enhance your mental and physical wellness so you can perform at your best.
6. Maintain a tidy and organized workspace
This may seem like an inconsequential habit to adopt, but tidying your workspace and keeping everything in order at the end of your work session, so you know where things are when you return, can provide a welcome and convenient time-saving boost for the next working day.
Returning to an untidy workspace or being unable to find your online files can be disorienting and time-consuming. Now is also a good time to update your to-do list and prioritize tasks for the following day.
Developing a habit of tidying your workspace daily and keeping your to-do list up to date and files in order can also serve as a nice transition prompt into your free time. You know that once you’ve tidied your workspace and updated your to-do list, it’s now time to down tools and relax!
~
By adopting these time-saving and practical productivity-enhancing habits into your workflow, you can improve efficiency, boost productivity, and get paid faster!
