The magic word "efficiency" - how freelancers work more successfully

Freelancers need efficiency. Image: 99designs1. work in a more structured way / separate work and private lifeMany freelancers reject the typical "9 to 5" working model. They want to benefit from the flexibility and freedom that self-employment brings. However, this also means that freelancers work longer hours on average than employees. However, more hours do not automatically make you more efficient. In order to invest the time spent in the best possible way, a strict separation of work and private life is unavoidable. This is best achieved by structuring the working day with fixed times and breaks around your own commitments, needs and preferences.2. benefit from the right productivity toolsThe best way to eliminate the chaos in your head is to use project management tools such as Asana and Wunderlist. They help you keep track of projects and tasks and always know what needs to be done and when. You should also use Toogl to monitor how much time it takes to complete individual tasks. This not only allows you to measure working hours, but also to demand an appropriate hourly wage.3. fast and smooth communicationEven if you sometimes think that the quickest way between two people is by email, you should still avoid writing a digital message for every little thing. This not only annoys the recipient, but is also very time-consuming. Tools such as Slack, for example, help to communicate with customers and partners more easily and quickly. This is particularly helpful when it comes to small changes or quick questions. Alternatively, you can also pick up the phone and clarify important questions over the phone.4. maintenance and development of a networkWorking independently at home does not mean having to work alone. Quite the opposite: building and maintaining a network is important - no matter what field you work in. If you are in contact with other freelancers, you can benefit from their expertise in different areas and exchange information. To make contacts, you should go to relevant conferences and events or work in a coworking space.5. set prioritiesIt sounds easier than it is to distinguish between the important and the unimportant. And that alone is not enough, because you also have to weigh up the urgency. Tasks can be very important, but not necessarily urgent. To maintain an overview, you should list the tasks and then prioritize them using a numbering system. This way, you don't lose track of your work and know exactly what needs to be done and when. "Those who work more efficiently are more motivated. An inefficient way of working means, for example, that you have to start a task again and again because you are distracted. Having to deal with the same thing over and over again sooner or later annoys everyone," says Marcos Gutiérrez, Managing Director at 99designs. He continues: "Those who complete their tasks in less time have more fun at work and can devote more time to customer care - the clients will be delighted!"