I’ve been on a quest lately, to make my life more productive and less busy (yes there is a difference). While technology has made our lives easier, it has also filled it with more noise then we could ever digest.
If we don’t prioritize our days properly, social media and other distractions can slowly start to take over, and before you know it your life is in complete chaos.
This is something I’m consciously trying to avoid. I don’t want my life to be overrun by my career and let my relationships suffer. And on the flip side, I don’t want my job to suffer because of my personal life. There needs to be a good work-life balance.
One of the best ways to create a good balance is to work less. Making more money in less time, is the perfect solution to this problem. Here’s 4 ways to increase your productivity and income, without sacrificing precious time.
1. Outsource work or hire an assistant
A happy worker is a productive worker, so if you’re stressed to the hilt and falling behind on projects, it’s time to hire some help. Even if it’s just for a short period of time, hiring an assistant to help you catch up will be well worth the investment.
I recently hired someone to help me for two days for some spring cleaning at work. I needed to get caught up on paperwork, make new files for the year and store away all of last year’s boxes. By outsourcing the small stuff, I’m able to start new projects, sign on some new clients and even take time for myself (imagine that).
If you’re looking to hire a virtual assistant, sites like Odesk and Elance are great places to start (or hire me!).
2. Increase your (hourly) rate
As a freelancer it’s important to know your worth, whether it’s per project or an hourly rate. You are a talented, smart and sophisticated entrepreneur and should be paid accordingly.
When approaching a client with a rate increase, always be honest. “Sell” them on why you are worth getting paid a little more. Any client that respects you and your work, should not be surprised when you increase your prices.
3. Work odd hours of the day
Normal business and school hours (8am – 5pm) are the busiest times of the day. This also means we are easily distracted, spend more time getting less done, and are constantly waiting – waiting in line at the post office, waiting in traffic, etc.
If your job allows it, try working during unconventional times of the day, like opting for an early morning or late night shift. You could spend more time with your family during the day, and potentially get to paid more, for working less (for some jobs, people who work odd hours get paid better rates).
4. Avoid overly demanding clients
All jobs require some amount of work, but not all of the projects and clients need to suck the life out of you. Some high maintenance clients (or bosses) are not worth the high emotional price paid.
Evaluate your work schedule and consider dropping any stressful projects or clients and only taking on those that have a good ROI (return on investment).
You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. Overly demanding clients always make you work excessively for your money. They put a drain on you emotionally, physically and keep you from taking on new jobs.
It’s all about managing your time
The point of making more income in less time, is all about managing your billable hours better. Learn to increase your productivity by cutting out distractions, increasing your rate or hiring help if needed.
What’s one tip to increase productivity in less time?
Photo Credit: MiiiSH