Freedom to freelance

How to run your business from anywhere.

Chapter 1

Managing projects from your phone

Running your own business is a constant effort, especially when you handle both your craft and administrative needs. No matter what is happening in your personal life, you have to keep everything running smoothly so you can pay your bills and keep your business afloat.

The work doesn’t stop, which means you have to be ready to handle any developments at a moment’s notice.

But just trying telling that to your kids, health, and normal responsibilities.

Up to this point, you could use a project management app to stay on top of your jobs, but those are usually limited in what they offer for your phone. Plus, different clients may use different apps. In this case, you’re often left jumping between tools and trying to keep everything straight.

You could always keep track of your own projects on a single solution, but that requires copying and pasting information from one app to another. As you struggle to maintain your work when you’re on-the-move, you run the risk of overlooking important tasks and details.

And that’s just the work side of things.

Without the ability to manage your business remotely, it’s hard to make plans. Do you need to stick by your computer so you can update your client on that deliverable? Will you remember to add that new task to your project? Is it easier to just say no to anything that happens during work hours so you don’t have to worry about what-ifs?

Freelancing is about freedom. Freedom to be spontaneous or act quickly when life demands it. If you feel tethered to your computer, you miss out on so many of the amazing things life has to offer.

When you have confidence in your ability to handle anything that comes up quickly and efficiently, you can take every opportunity you see. Close out that task and see what’s next for your project. Move things around to ensure you meet your deadlines. Do what you need to do to manage your business so it’s not managing you.

Tips & solutions for using your phone to manage projects

Pep talk aside, there are practical ways to empower your mobile project management. Following these tips will not only help you handle projects on-the-go but improve your strategies at home for easier work outside of the office.

Check in regularly

When you are using your phone to manage your projects, it’s important to know what is happening at all times. This doesn’t mean that you should be checking your phone constantly. Instead, we recommend scheduling check-ins throughout the day.

If you are just out for a few hours, this might not be as important. When you are vacationing, out all day, or running your business from your phone exclusively, these check-ins will help you stay on top of your projects.

Set an alert or alarm on your phone two or three times during the day. Use this time to run through your active projects and update any developments. If something needs doing, now is the time to do it.

Having a schedule retains your control, but it also gives you the mental freedom to focus on the things you’re doing. You can be more present and focused in whatever you’re doing because you know everything with work is moving as it should.

Prepare in advance

If freelancing teaches you anything, it’s that plans often go awry. There is a lot that goes on within your business, so it’s best to prepare for your time away from your desk before you leave it.

Start by evaluating your projects. If something were to come up while you’re gone, would your lack of a computer be catastrophic? In that case, there are a couple of ways you can set yourself up for success:

  • Let your client know that you will be out of the office - Everyone takes time off. Good clients will be happy to accommodate your schedule change. Just make sure to give clients enough time to prepare on their end for your absence. If something does come up, they will know that your capacity to react may be limited. Many will either adjust the project’s schedule or handle the ask themselves. In an emergency (and if you haven’t told them that you won’t be taking communication), they may reach out. At that point, you can decide your next steps.
  • Have a backup plan - This may look like having a laptop in your hotel room or simply letting clients know that there will be a delay in your response. You can also be sure to add files and links to your projects within your tools to offer easy access to any resources.

Planning ahead is a significant part of being successful with mobile freelancing. But even the best plans rely on the right tools.

Keep your projects on one tool

As we mentioned earlier, jumping between project management tools may cause important things to fall through the cracks. Tracking all of your work within one app eliminates this risk. You can see everything you’re responsible for in one screen, helping you order your time more effectively.

But you don’t want to just use any tool. You need a solution that works with your own workflow, giving you the control and confidence to manage your projects in moments, anytime and anywhere.

Why is the Hectic mobile app ideal for managing projects from your phone?

The Hectic mobile app is made to keep everything organized and easy to access. Its large interface ensures you can quickly find the project you’re looking for (and you won’t hit 13 other links and buttons trying to open it).

As soon as you open the Project tool, you’ll see all of your projects and the deliverables within them. Sort your view by projects or clients and then filter by due dates, keywords, project names, assignees, and status.

If our mobile-optimized vertical Kanban board doesn’t work for you, you can also view your projects on your Google-integrated calendar or just by upcoming deliverables. Within seconds, you can see your information in the order that meshes with your way of thinking.

Just as quickly, you can check for notifications, make notes, and evaluate your to-do list. Your regular check-ins will take only moments to give you the confidence you need to move on with your day.