Since freelancers mostly work online, it's safe to say that this kind of work is extremely relevant today, as it allows you to work from anywhere in the world.
And if you prefer freedom and flexibility in your work, freelancing is definitely for you. As a freelancer, you are your own boss: you decide when and where to work. But at the same time, freelancing has its own challenges: management, communication, and team integration.
So here are the top 5 management tips to help you succeed in freelancing:
Tip 1. Monitor your working hours
Freelancers have the ability to manage their time as they wish. However, when you're focused on your work, it's easy to lose track of the time you've spent on it. It also happens that sometimes a business owner can face difficulties in managing freelancers because
- each freelancer manages their time differently;
- employees may work from different parts of the world, which means different time zones;
- everyone can use different tips for managing tasks.
In this case, it's better to use special software, such as Yaware.TimeTracker, which has a number of advantages over its competitors:
- Automatic counting are statistics that are automatically entered into the timesheet;
- Performance analysis gives you the ability to see the actual workload of teams;
- Project and task management – all tasks in one place;
- Personal statistics give you the ability to analyze your own performance;
- A lot of visual charts – an analysis of employee performance in just a few minutes.
Tip 2. Ensure your presence
Freelancing requires extreme flexibility from employees. With this in mind, you should always be present while working. This doesn't mean physical presence, but rather digital presence, which means being available and easy to reach. This is the key to working as a freelancer. Being online during business hours guarantees uninterrupted communication within the team and with clients. If you don't manage your online presence properly, your team may face obstacles to completing the project.
Tip 3. Set clear goals
Remember that the goal setting stage has a significant impact on the development of a project or your career. Ideally, they should be based on long-term expectations. When setting goals, you should take into account your financial and career opportunities. Discuss with your employer the details and tactics you can use to achieve the desired result.
Tip 4. Don't forget to sign a contract
Written confirmation of your responsibilities is a guarantee of your safety.
It is better to have a contract with a client or company, because there are times when you deliver a well-done job or a project that the client criticizes and refuses to pay for. The contract must specify what standards the project must meet, which will help avoid any disputes. And yes, electronic signatures exist, so signing a contract remotely is not a problem.
Tip 5. Provide access to feedback from previous clients to new ones
Testimonials are crucial for clients' decisions to choose you as a specialist, their satisfaction, your reputation, and the reputation of the company. Providing feedback from previous clients shows transparency, and transparency in your work is an indicator of healthy customer relationships. Make sure you are open and willing to provide feedback from your previous customers to new ones. In short, feedback is one of the main ways to connect with customers.
