Hey!
If you’ve been freelancing for more than 5 minutes, you’ve probably seen lists of tools to improve your freelance work. I’ve written them myself.
Most aren’t bad…the thing is though, everybody’s different.
I might love one Pomodoro app. You might get absolutely no results with it. Besides that, every piece of software has learning curve. You might spend months using a platform and end up wondering whether you’re using it wrong and missing out on business revolution — or if it’s just a bad fit.
That’s why this month, I want to go over some ways to find tools that actually work f for you.
First though, let’s talk about why they matter.
A couple of years ago, I was at a crossroads. I’d run a freelance rate calculator (this one) and realized I needed to be booking around $17K a month to hit my financial goals. So I rolled up my sleeves and did what I’d always done. Worked harder.
And I did it. I booked $17K in a month…I’d also worn myself out.
It sent me into a bit of a tailspin. The old feelings of being overworked came back as I pushed to earn more, but also keep all the work organized in my head, on spreadsheets, and on my paper notebooks.
Then I discovered Focuster.
They bill themselves as a focus app, but for me, it freed my mind. I was able to pass off the responsibility of planning my days. And that extra space and mental energy? It went to streamlining my business and as a result, hitting those numbers got even easier.
Focuster didn’t just help me focus. It’ turned my business around in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
The answer for you might not be Focuster. Finding that answer is likely going to start with rethinking the systems you’re comfortable with (even those trusty spreadsheets) and really asking whether they’re carrying you toward your freelance goals…or just helping you tread water.
We’re going to be talking this out all month, but don’t forget to come by the Academy group to share your thoughts.
Megan
P.S. The podcast is up! We’ve got some great interviews lined up…and you could be one of them! If you ever want to drop in to discuss freelancing, just reply to this email and we’ll see if we can’t figure out something to talk about.