2013 is truly the year of the solopreneur. It’s no longer about creating a brand, it’s about branding yourself and establishing yourself as an authority in your field. When it comes to working on projects, you may be used to working with a group of many, so you’ll need to make some adjustments to scale down to a team of one – but it is possible, and here’s how.
Get More Efficient By Balancing Your Workload in the Cloud
Cloud technology is more accessible that ever thanks in part to the rise of mobile technology. As a solopreneur, these tools offer many advantages including:
- access anywhere reducing downtime while travelling
- automated processes
- time tracking
- expense tracking
- task tracking and reminders
- large storage space
- communication services (VOIP calling, emailing, etc.)
One of the biggest benefits that cloud computing offer soloprenuers is ease of use. These programs are accessible from any device that connects to the internet, so you can literally manage, access and create projects from anyplace at anytime.
Take Advantage of Fractional Work
Just because you’re a solopreneur doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own – in fact to maximize your strengths, you shouldn’t. Some projects may be bigger than expected and require extra hands, or there may be project tasks outside of your core competencies that make more sense to farm out. You probably don’t have the time to run an ad or interview people to assist you, so take advantage of a virtual professional services company.
Using a virtual assistants who is highly skilled and motivated, with a proven track-record of delivering successful project tasks, can make a significant impact on your work flow. Top quality virtual assistant companies like Boldly can help take the risk and the hassle out of the process. They match assistants to you based on your requirements and personality. Since virtual assistants work remotely, they are a bit more flexible than temp-service workers. Also, lower overhead expenses mean better prices for getting your work done.
K.I.S.S
Yes, this rule still applies when working for yourself. In fact, keeping things simple, streamlined and efficient takes on added importance. Since you won’t have a team of people working for you, and you’re doing most of the project managing on your own, keeping it simple is critical to your success.
It will make it easier to:
- keep track of important information
- complete projects within the specified time period
- do better quality work
Never take on more than you can comfortably do on your own – no matter how tempting the price tag may be. Remember, a first impression is your lasting impression; rushed work may cost you a repeat client. If you feel your load is too heavy, hire someone on a fractional basis to help you get through the thick of it.
Use a Cloud Calendar
A cloud calendar can be accessed from mobile devices such as tablets or smart phones, as well as desktop computers. When entering your project management schedule on a cloud calendar, you can set alarms, reminders and other automated processes to help you keep track of time. These calendars can be updated or tweaked from any device that it’s loaded on.
As you can see, project managing as a solopreneur is all about managing your time and workload appropriately. Hire help when you need it, scale down if necessary and focus on quality over quantity. Following these tips will not only win over your clients, but they’ll also put the enjoyment back in what you love to do the most.
