by Lou Belcher

Created on: June 28, 2010

Being a freelancer in any field offers a certain amount of freedom. You are allowed to make your own schedule, to choose where you work, and enjoy the time you are not working. It sounds like a great way to work and it is, but there are drawbacks as well. It's important to learn to master distractions and to employ efficiency when doing the job.  Here are some ways to do just that:

1. Set priorities. It's wonderful to be on your own in business and to make your own hours, but it is important to meet deadlines, too. Your clients will be looking for their work in a timely manner. Therefore, establish a system to set priorities within your workload and to ensure that you meet the deadlines expected by your clients.

2. Make a work schedule. In order to accomplish timely completion of your work, it's helpful to make a schedule of when you will work and when you won't. To do this, determine the number of hours you will work each day and schedule them before you schedule other activities.  If you need to alter the schedule, don't reduce the number of hours you work. Rather, schedule yourself to make up those hours at some other time.  Remember, it's important to keep your clients happy by meeting deadlines.

3. Tell those who might interrupt you, the hours that you'll be working and the hours are free. Ask them to not interrupt you during your working hours unless it is an emergency.

4. If you have children, schedule child care during your working hours or schedule some of your working time when your spouse or significant other is available to watch the children. It's difficult to work and difficult to sound professional if you have children clamoring for your attention in the background.

5.  Choose a work space that is conducive to work. Set aside a room for your work or at least a table where you can work without distractions. Keep your desk organized and your work organized, so you aren't distracted by disarray.

6. Keep the radio and TV off. Many people think that they can work and watch TV or listen to the radio at the same time. Give your full concentration to your work and you will produce higher quality work.

7. Don't let your social media sites (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) interfere with your business.  Social media is often a good way to promote yourself, but it can use up many precious hours. So, save it until your work is done.

Planning your freelance work to eliminate distractions will help your productivity as well as your proficiency.

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