Freelancers often finish their workday and find out that they were not as productive as they thought. Since most freelancers work on a schedule they set for themselves, they are often looking for effective ways to keep track of their time. Wasting time is challenging as a freelancer, every hour of downtime represents and hour without pay, cutting into the overall income of a freelancer. Every hour of lost pay could also mean another lost client. Rather than missing important deadlines, here are some ideas to help freelancers keep track of time:
Use a work diary
Freelancers can use a work diary to help them keep track of time. Work diary entries can be set up to either list items that need to be done and put into a format that shows what is to be done when or, work diary entries can be used to track hours worked. A work diary can be especially helpful for those freelancers who bill on an hourly basis. Tracking time in this manner also can help a freelancer determine what they are doing that wastes their time and can help them be more productive.
Set a regular schedule
Freelancers have the flexibility to work when they want. Because of this, it is very easy to not work on a regular schedule. Instead of starting work "when you want" consider setting up a fixed work day. Working on a schedule that is close to a regular work day can help freelancers be more productive and help them keep track of time. Freelancers who start off their day searching the internet for new games, using social networking sites and getting involved in other time wasting activities often find they are losing valuable billing time.
Use time tracking software
Some freelancers find that they are better able to keep track of time by utilizing a time tracking software. This software allows the freelancer to input what they are doing at specific times of the day. There are several different types of free time tracking software that can help a freelancer keep track of time. Some of these time tracking software packages are entirely online (meaning no download) and some will also allow the freelancer to generate invoices. WR Time Tracker is a good example of this type of time tracking software with built in billing.
Summary
Freelance professionals enjoy the flexibility of setting their own work schedules and selecting their assignments. However, if a freelance professional fails to plan their time properly, not only can it result in missed deadlines, but it can have a negative impact on their business. Time management skills are not difficult to learn and can have a positive impact on both earnings and credibility. Start with these ideas to help freelancers keep track of time and you can grow your freelance business more effectively.