When you are a freelance writer, you need to be on top of your game. You are not working for a project manager who will come up with a project plan and schedule, and keep reminding you of your deadlines. It is especially essential when you are working on proposals because it can screw up your client’s chances of winning contracts or grants that will aid them in their efforts. Alongside being the Writer, you are also the CEO, Marketing Director, Technical Guru, Financial Officer, etc.
Of course, everyone has heard about Google Calendar, Freshbooks, Zoho Apps, Evernote, Google Apps, Tungle.Me, etc., so there is no point discussing the obvious.
Here are two tools that are helping me that you might no be familiar with:
1. Producteev
I live off of to-do lists. Every night, I create a list of ten things that I want to accomplish the next day. It is a compilation of personal and business stuff. There is no point keeping two lists. I didn’t hear about Producteev until I downloaded the Astrid Tasks on my Android phone. Let me tell you that signing up for Producteev was the best thing that I ever did.
It is free for up to two users. It lets you add labels, repeat tasks, and add reminders. The best thing is that it syncs with your Google Calendar and Astrid Tasks (if you use it) as well. There are also different reminder options that I can use: SMS text, IM, and/or email.
If you want to customize the look, you can do that as well. I added my picture, and changed the background color, so I’d feel right at home when I got there. The best part is that I can attach notes, links, and URLs to the task, so that I have all the information in one place.
2. InDinero
Money is always important, especially when you’re working for yourself. InDinero can aid you in that. It is very similar to Mint.com, which I absolutely love. You can add different accounts, so that they are all in one central location that makes it easier to track. Also, you can add multiple users and give them one of the two roles: Bookkeeper and Staff Member. They just added labels and budgeting.
For someone who loves Mint.com, I highly recommend InDinero. It makes managing your business’ finances a breeze.
You have to find the tools that work for you because everyone’s needs are different.
What tools do you use to keep up with everything?
Tags: freelance writing finances, organized tools, productivity tools, writing organization, writing tools
