Self-Employed? Here’s How to Balance Your Work Schedule.

By Allison Kramer, Principal, Sweet Buzz Media and CWCC Member

I’ve been self-employed for quite some time, so I’ve had the opportunity to refine my time management skills.  Over the years I’ve found that the most effective habit that keeps me on task is keeping a time log for the week.  It’s helped keep me accountable to myself, and it’s provided data that allows me to effectively adjust my activities to create more productivity.

Here are some tips to get you started using this great tool.  It’s important to first draw a line next to your time log. One side is for the “projected work” you see ahead and the other side is for “the actual work” accomplished. This will gauge your use of time so you can see what areas you need to work on, especially when it comes to distractions. Sometimes emergencies come up and alter your plans. Either way, be sure and forgive yourself, and don’t get discouraged.

At the end of the week make sure you assess your progress rather than doing this each day.  This will help you avoid getting discouraged if you have not accomplished all of those tasks you had lined up for the day. Be as specific as possible. Some tasks take longer than usual, so be sure and record that as well. When reviewing your tracking, observe and determine what you can do to improve.

Keeping a time log is as simple as keeping the data on a piece of paper. The information will help keep you on track and influence a productive daily routine. Keeping to a daily routine is a key ingredient to being successfully self-employed.

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Sweet Buzz Media creates functional, optimized WordPress websites for small businesses.  As a full-service studio we offer custom website design and redesign, print design, search engine optimization, social media integration, web hosting, WordPress training, and website content management systems.  Find out more at www.sweetbuzzmedia.com.