Photo by Hilde Vanstraelen
Many people aren’t fond of organization or they use a system of organization that doesn’t work. You may be in trouble if you have to sort through a bunch of sticky notes for your new client’s phone number. There’s nothing wrong with being organized. It’s amazing how many people aren’t organized because they think it’s not cool or hip. When your clients leave, you’ll probably consider becoming organized.
Organization is a great way to live a stress free life. If everything is in its place, you won’t freak out when you can’t find pertinent information like your client’s proposal. It’s embarrassing if you have to contact a client and tell them you lost the signed proposal. Instead, make a folder on your computer and label it ‘Client Proposals’ and make sure you back it up. You may want to print out a hard copy and stick it in a file folder within a filing cabinet. This way you’ll have the information at your fingertips.
Tips to becoming organized
- Have an organized workspace that’s free from clutter. File papers away and keep you desk clean with the exception of pen, paper, and phone. Keep your office supplies in a cabinet.
- Keep specific hours.
- Most freelance writers read a lot which means they have a plethora of books. Buy a bookcase for all of your books. This way you can grab your reference materials with ease.
- Use Excel or some other program to keep track of client contact and project information.
- Affirm that you’re organized!
Make sure you keep your clients contact information in one central location. Your computer has various programs; use them to record contact information. You could create an Excel spreadsheet. You could use Outlook or whatever the Mac equivalent is. You could purchase a CRM program. This would be a good investment because CRM programs can help your streamline sales and marketing, reduce expenses, and much more. Choose a program and enter clients contact information today and it will be readily available to you.
How do you know which projects to work on for the week? You could use Windows Calendar (or Mac program) to schedule your projects. You could use an Excel spreadsheet or some other program to track your projects. You want to ensure you meet or exceed deadlines. Your clients probably wouldn’t be happy with you if you missed deadlines.
Freelance writers get over your fear of becoming organized. Forget about the stigma that being organized will make you a dependable, reliable person instead of a free spirited artist. If you’re not dependable and reliable, you won’t have any clients. Get organized today and watch how it changes your business. Good luck!
Rebecca
What’s your idea of organization? Share.