Hey!

 

So I’m a big fan of metrics, but I’m also a big fan of keeping them simple…especially for a situation like freelancing where it’s just you (and you don’t want to overload yourself with a ton of reports.)

 

So how do you know if you’re keeping up with production?

 

Deciding On Your Production Metrics

First off, it’s important to make sure you’re getting things done on time.

 

Most of the time this isn’t even about you working faster or harder, but by setting solid turnaround expectations for your clients (so if you feel like you’re always under the gun, start giving yourself more space when you have conversations about deadlines. Clients can be trained to wait.)

 

I don’t believe that freelancers should be stressed about production deadlines. If they’re too tight, we should be able to negotiate. If we can’t negotiate, the relationship might be worth reconsidering.

 

So metrics. Personally, I tend to default to a per-day earning average —  how much work I’m normally getting completed in one day. I use this less lately, but it’s helped me keep a good feel for how my work turns into income (and what might be slowing me down.)

 

You might be more comfortable keeping track on a weekly basis, or even monthly. Just remember that it’s not something you have to do forever.

 

I’ve done it kind of like food journaling…for a week (or four) until I get a good instinct for things, then with periodic check-ins.

 

This is a really powerful tool, so don’t skip it. Some of the insights might be uncomfortable at first, but once you see what’s going on, you can make the adjustments you need to get your production to where you want it to be.

 

Want to share production tips with other Academy members? Come on over!

 

 

 

Megan