Three Top Tips for Better Time Management for the Self-Employed

Make the most of your time, starting today.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a freelancer, an independent contractor, or if you own your own business; being your own boss is a lot of work. Not only is being self-employed a lot of effort, it can also take up a lot of time! Many people who work for themselves feel like they are constantly working, always on the clock or on call. Help is in site! A few time management techniques, like the ones offered here, can remedy that!

1.) Set limits

Many of the people I have met who work for themselves confess that they are “workaholics” who just can’t stop once they get started. To stop being addicted to the job or chained to your desk, create limits that you stick to unless there is an absolute, genuine emergency. This could be clocking out every day by dinner time, leaving your cell phone in your car when you go to the gym, or leaving the power cord for your laptop at home when you work at a café. These limits will probably make you more productive as you work to meet your time limit, and limits as time management techniques will give you more free time too.

2.) Keep a schedule

Many people are their own boss because they wanted to work whenever they want, but for many people, being self-employed means that they are working whenever they can. Along with time limits, keeping a schedule is one of the best time management techniques you can employ. Keep an agenda and block out time for work, then within your work day, carve out time for other things: making calls, returning emails, prospecting, taking breaks, etc. You will be amazed at how much more free time you have and how much your productivity goes up.

3.) Do what you are best at

When you are self-employed, you wear many hats. If you are a one-man operation you are marketing, sales, human resources, accounting, and more all rolled into one, but the odds are great that you aren’t good at all of these things. You may have gotten into business building cabinets because you are great at it, but marketing and doing paperwork may take up a big portion of your time, especially since it may take you longer if it is not your forte. Even if an employee is not in your budget, you should consider outsourcing to a virtual assistant or another specialist to take up these other tasks, allowing you to focus on your strengths.

And more…

These are just a few time management tips that can help someone who is self-employed be more productive and profitable while striking a better work/life balance. Organizational techniques, while not necessarily for time management, are also great ways for someone who is their own boss to get more time day in and day out. Work with a business coach to get even more help managing your time as an entrepreneur.

Remember though, following these and other techniques can help you get more time, but what you do with that time is what is important.