Time Management Techniques for Entrepreneurs and Freelancers Working From Home

Working from home is a great way to save time and money. This notion is backed by data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau, which shows that the average commute of in-person workers is 27.6 minutes each way. That's nearly an hour of wasted time per day that you can ill afford if you're an entrepreneur or a freelancer. However, utilizing your newfound free time is easier said than done. It's all too easy to whittle away the hours while watching TV and scrolling through social media when working from home. Similarly, you may find that remote working leads to more distractions, as your family can easily interrupt your workflow when you WFH. Protect your productivity and maximize your efficiency by utilizing proven time management techniques for freelancers and entrepreneurs that work when you're working from home.. Even simple techniques, like creating a daily schedule, can significantly boost your productivity and help you work more effectively.

Effective Scheduling for Administrative Tasks

If you’re self-employed, you already know the value of effective scheduling and how it contributes to freelancer productivity and remote work efficiency. A good schedule ensures that your daily tasks are completed on time and that your efforts go toward the fulfillment of long-term goals. However, if it’s been a while since you last wrote down your daily schedule, now might be the perfect time to revise your approach.

Start by identifying your “must-do” time-sensitive tasks. These are non-negotiable and are essential to the smooth running of your business. For example, if you run an Etsy store and sell knitted sweaters, this would be when you note down the time you spend actually knitting. Use a to do list to break down larger projects into manageable steps, making it easier to organize and prioritize your daily work.

Next, note down the things that bring joy and balance to your life. Treating these as a priority is key, as staying active can improve your time management if you’re working as an entrepreneur or a freelancer. Scheduling time for activities like yoga, walking, or working out ensures that you always get to the gym, studio, or trailhead in time. Establishing a consistent schedule throughout the week can help reinforce these habits and improve your overall productivity. Use google calendar to organize your day and integrate it with other productivity tools for seamless scheduling. Generating and sharing ideas with peers can also help you improve your workflow and discover new strategies.

Finally, consider your broader operational goals. Do you want to improve your marketing? Do you need to go over your accounts again? Are you trying to invoice clients more regularly? Make time for these activities in your schedule to ensure that your tertiary business goals are not overlooked.

Rather than blocking out free time, consider giving yourself the flexibility to use this time however you’d like. Ensure you have enough time for breaks and socializing, which is crucial for maintaining motivation and well-being. This can help you naturally destress after a busy work day and enjoy the freedom that freelancing and entrepreneurship offer. Taking intentional rest and building healthy habits will support your mental health and help you maintain long-term productivity.

Redesigning Your Workspace

Working from home can be a real boon if you’re a dedicated, disciplined person. You don’t have to get involved in office chit-chat and can skip unnecessary meetings. However, no amount of discipline and good intentions can overcome a poorly designed workspace. A bad workspace will lead to interruptions, undermine your productivity, and leave you feeling frazzled by the end of the day. Having a dedicated workspace is crucial to minimize distractions and maintain focus throughout your workday.

If you love working from home but have been perching on the kitchen counter for the past few months, consider converting an ancillary room like a garage into a home office. This is a great way to make use of a space that you no longer use now that you do not commute. You can convert a garage into a home office by creating an effective workspace tailored to your needs:

• Declutter: Deep clean your space and remove anything that contains a harsh smell or is likely to get in the way. If you can’t remove a big item (like bikes or tools) use storage hacks like overhead racks and sleek storage bins to hide them. A well-organized space frees your mind and body, allowing for better focus and productivity.

• Install the Essentials: You’ll need to install power strips, HVAC systems, insulation, and security devices before you can start using your home office. These essentials can be a little pricey but are sure to offer enhanced productivity once you start working in your new space.

• Furniture: There’s no point setting up a home office in your garage if you still work on stalls and benches. Invest in some ergonomic seating and find a desk that suits the floor plan. If you still have some money left over, consider buying a comfortable lounge chair and a mini-fridge so you can take quick breaks during the day. Remember to take regular breaks away from the computer to maintain your well-being and manage your energy levels.

These steps will boost your productivity while WFH and save you plenty of backache in the years to come. If you can’t invest in a home office all at once, consider taking incremental steps and working towards saving for bigger ticket items like chairs over the course of months and years.

Time-Saving Software for Project Management

Effective time management is all about maximizing the time you spend at the desk. To achieve this, schedule dedicated work time and working time for focused tasks, ensuring you have clear blocks for deep work and breaks. However, if you’ve recently become self-employed or are entering the entrepreneurial world for the first time, you may be shocked to discover how much time administrative tasks suck from your schedule, especially when it comes to writing and the need to write regularly to stay organized.

Rather than spending your entire workweek invoicing clients and updating CRMs, try to automate as many processes as possible. Automation technology, like intelligent design software, can speed up your work processes, boost productivity, and help you focus on the tasks that bolster your bottom line. It can reduce the risk of human error, too, as digitizing your documents will help you use workflow management programs that automatically tag projects as they progress. If you’re new to the idea of automation, start with programs like:

• Asana

• Wrike

• Trello

• Hootsuite

• Hubspot

These tools offer a range of automated services designed to improve your record-keeping, bolster your understanding of the market, and achieve peak productivity. You can also use them for research, tracking each task, and managing your workflow efficiently. You don’t need to use all these programs, either, as many serve the same (or similar) functions. When managing your workflow, mention the importance of noting quick tasks immediately to avoid backlog and overwhelm.

Conclusion

Effective scheduling and the right time management techniques for freelancers can help you avoid common pitfalls and stay focused throughout your day. Leveraging automation tools for freelancers and digital productivity tools also allows you to work smarter—not harder. This is crucial as an entrepreneur or freelancer, as you need to be performing at your best if you want to make an impact in your market. You can also lean on automation tools to take care of the heavy lifting and leave you more time to focus on the tasks that really matter.

When planning your schedule, focus on the important things and consider the longer term to ensure sustainable productivity. Manage your time by focusing on priorities and knowing when to switch or practice switching between work and personal time to maintain work-life balance. Maintaining a usual pattern and scheduling certain types of tasks at optimal times can further enhance your efficiency.

While working remotely, it's important to stay connected with friends, family members, and other members of your household. Use social media channels and video calls to maintain relationships and support your wellbeing. Taking breaks to connect with a friend or friends can also help reduce loneliness and boost your mood.

Last point: Lean on automation tools to take care of the heavy lifting and leave you more time to focus on the tasks that really matter.