Solopreneurs & Freelancers: How Do YOU Prioritize Your Workflow?

Okay, so I’ve finally decided that it’s time to put together an ebook I’ve had on my mind for a while now, and I’d like to get some input from readers and friends. Expect a few questions like this in the coming weeks, and please take some time to think about your answers and share this post with others so my resources are widespread!

Solopreneurs & Freelancers

Solos and freelancers are a special breed of business person. Not only do they have to actually complete the paying work (yes, thank me, Captain Obvious) but they must promote themselves, share their experiences, network, attend conferences, continuously learn about their trade and much more. They’re the “all in one” package for a business model. If you couldn’t guess, a successful solopreneur really, REALLY has to be organized and pretty structured in order to have that success.

Mixing of Tasks and Work

Sometimes, solos take on freebie work. There are many reasons for this: publicity, experience, generosity or sheer boredom. Often times this freebie work is done in a different manner than paying work (though it shouldn’t be) and sometimes it gets overwhelming and stressful. Especially once the paying stuff kicks back up and they’re still stuck working on the unfinished or never ending projects they’re not getting paid for.

Prioritizing and Balance

You’re never going to hear me say that a solopreneur or freelancer should never take on unpaid work. I will say that they should balance it out, weigh the pros and cons, and limit themselves to only one or two freebies per year. Be picky, just as you’d be when taking on a new client. (If you’re not being picky with taking on new clients, that’s an entirely different issue we’ll discuss later.)

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, in any event. Especially when you’re trying to grow your business, pay your bills, donate your time and knowledge to others in need and deal with all the other aspects of everyday life, all while not losing your mind (ie. taking care of yourself).

So, here’s a scenario for you: You’ve spent a few years trying to build up your client base. You’ve got some A-List clients (those you consider top priority), a few B-Listers, and then you’ve got freebies and your own personal projects. Add to that networking, events, conferences and marketing yourself.

Work slows down and you take on some high-profile freebie stuff. It’s seemingly never ending, but you’re cleaning up loose ends and all of the sudden you find yourself slammed with requests from ALL your clients, all at the same time. They’re all in need. Yesterday.

Let me break this down in list format…

• Two “freebie” projects you started and have pretty much accomplished, that still need tweaking or revising. Small amounts of individual attention, but frequent ones.
• Two A-List clients whom you’ve devoted much time and work to in the past, that are the “meat” of your income. They’ve got ongoing, immediate requests.
• Two or three personal projects you’re dying to get off the ground.
• Ongoing social networking, self-promo, events and conferences to attend and plan for.

How would you prioritize what needs to be done?

Do you take care of the freebie’s immediate needs, and notify them that they must be put on hold while you take care of other stuff, or do you try to structure your work days so you can touch on everything, every day, until it’s finished?

Please share in the comments… especially if you’ve ever found yourself in this exact position or something similar. If you can’t pull from personal experience, that’s okay too – just imagine yourself in this kind of situation and tell us what you think you’d do.

Keep in mind two goals:

1. Keep everyone (including yourself) happy with the progress and timing.
2. You’re not allowed to work more than 10 hours per day, in the interest of personal sanity.

So let’s hear it! And don’t forget to share this with your friends and colleagues!