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How do freelancers manage a large workload

by Commissioner
2 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
    • |
I am running a web design business at the moment and have taking on most of the work myself but you can only do so much and it is not always easy reaching deadlines to keep your clients satisfied. Just curious, how do you guys manage 3-4 projects a week and your clients wants the job completed within 1-2 weeks? do you outsource or do you tell your clients that you will need more time to complete the projects. I had to hire 2 friends who are also designers but sometimes it can be frustrating having to pay them also, how can i save money? It can be really tough for a freelancer, we don't want to be spending our entire lives on the computer
#freelancers #large #manage #workload
  • Profile picture of the author copyrank
    Give the client the option.

    Option 1 - Two week turnaround - cost 25% extra

    or

    Option 2 - Four week turnaround - standard price.

    Tends to only work with new clients as the old one's will expect the same level of service as they always have.

    Is that any help?
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    I'm an article writer.

    If you want results I recommend Jason Fladlien!

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  • Profile picture of the author gyar29
    1. Time Management
    2. Client Expectations Management
    3. Project Management
    4. Manage Outsourced tasks and those that perform those tasks.
    1. The ROI of taking the time to manage your time is excellent. Scheduling tasks that you must complete using REALISTIC constraints will not only give you a structured schedule for your work, it will also give you a basis for determining what jobs you can and cannot take. Remember, turning a job down may lose you a client, doing a crappy job may lose you many many more.
    2. More often that not your client engages your services because they cannot do what they are asking you to do. That lack of knowledge frequently leads to the client having unreasonable expectations. When taking on a job you must ensure that you have communicated to the client exactly what the can realistically expect. Time-frame, functionality, costs, etc... They need to know it all going in.
    3. Every job you take on is a PROJECT. Treating is as such will always benefit your business. Set a budget that will give you the profit you need. Break down each task required for the project. Set a time-frame for each task. Assign those tasks to outsourced employees when possible. Track your costs and the required completion dates for each task. Be the project manager, even if you're doing all the work yourself.
    4. If you choose to outsource you must manage the contractors you've outsourced to and the costs associated with those outsourced tasks. Ensure the contractor understands the expectations. Ensure the contractor understands the required time-frame. Ensure the contractor supplies timely updates while performing the tasks. Require that the contractor supply you the completed task with enough time left for required changes.
    Take on only those jobs you are sure you can complete in the required time-frame. Take on only those jobs you know you can exceed client expectations. Start building a database of trusted contractors (people that do the task right). Re-invest your fees back into your business. Set aside money for outsourcing fees (This one is hard to do sometimes. But you will quickly find that you will make more money if you do it.)

    I understand that doing all these things may appear daunting. But unless you are going to treat you business as a hobby, and do not intend to ever grow your business, you must become become a manager.

    The bottom line is that even if your business is a one man show with only a couple of clients you have to treat it as a business if you wish it to be profitable and grow.
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