11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
11 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Professional Writers...A little help please

by Seatbelt99
8 replies
I've recently started my writing services site and while everythign is going extremely well I am running into one problem that if I don't solve now will cause me big problems...Keeping track of orders.

I'm getting quite a few orders and discussing future orders with several potential clients now. I'm already finding it difficult to keep track of everything just using e-mail and memory. Is there some sort of product or pre-made spreadsheet or anything out there that will help with this?

If not I can make one but I'm no excel expert or anything so I'd rather not waste a lot of time figuring it out if something already exists. It should have a way to help keep track of order dates, due dates, whether invoices have been sent (and paid) and anything else useful about the orders.

Any tips would be most appreciated.

Thank You!

Michael
#professional #writersa
  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    Michael,
    I used a spreadsheet for awhile. In the end I went the old-fashioned way. I got a big white board where I write down projects and due dates. It's not good for tracking everything, of course. But I needed the big visual. Every time I walk into my office I see exactly what is still pending. Plus, I love the feeling of marking off the finished projects!

    Rose
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6469870].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Vince Runza Online
    Try using a Gantt Chart: Gantt chart - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. It may look a bit cumbersome at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's great!

    Here's a link to a free one: GanttPV - Open Source Software for Project Management

    HTH,

    Vince Runza
    Signature
    "The will to prepare to win is more important than the will to win." -- misquoting Coach Vince Lombardi
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6469886].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      I also go for the old fashioned way with my trusty pink notebook dedicated to only my writing jobs and my favorite pen.

      Every day, I rewrite them in chronological order on the next page. It's fun to be able to exclude finished projects and add new ones. I also get a boost when I need one by going back and reviewing what I've accomplished in the past as it makes for great motivation when needed.

      Terra
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6469950].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author cashp0wer
        When I wrote articles for a living I used an Excel spreadsheet. I set up worksheets for each client within one spreadsheet and it worked perfect for me. I put the article title, number of words, pay, date due, etc. and then used this to make up my invoices each Friday. It worked very well for me.
        Signature
        My Internet Marketing Blog - Warts And All!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6470042].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    Joe recommends this.

    Spreadsheet works too if you're on a budget, but with what you charge $17 shouldn't be a problem.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6469942].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
      Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

      Joe recommends this.

      Spreadsheet works too if you're on a budget, but with what you charge $17 shouldn't be a problem.
      I second this. David let me take this for a test drive prior to launch and I love it. Wish this had been around when I was ghostwriting full-time.
      Signature
      Discover how to have fabulous, engaging content with
      Fast & Easy Content Creation
      ***Especially if you don't have enough time, money, or just plain HATE writing***
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6470053].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Seatbelt99
      Originally Posted by Joe Robinson View Post

      Joe recommends this.

      Spreadsheet works too if you're on a budget, but with what you charge $17 shouldn't be a problem.
      Thank you. This looks perfect as long as I'm able to access it from multiple locations. I believe I'll be able to by saving the database on a drop box drive.

      As always Joe, you're most helpful.

      Thanks to everyone else who replied as well.

      Michael
      Signature
      The ONLY Writing Team You Will EVER Need!

      Writing-By-Michael.com - High quality custom writing!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6470183].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author johnben1444
    You can create a spread sheet with information like date, name, email, transaction ID, type of package or order, status for pending and finished works etc.

    You will have to manually do this until you come up with a web inventory tracker.
    Signature
    Grow your social media account, Spotify Streams, YT Views & IG Followers & More
    Software & Mobile APP Developer
    Buy Spotify, Facebook Bot & IG M/S Method
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6470061].message }}

Trending Topics