How to Build a Freelance Project Management System
Use tools that match the way YOU work.
When I first started freelancing, I tried out a lot of different project management tools.
Some of them promised to be an all-in-one solution for contracts, invoicing, time tracking, and task management. None of them worked for me. I felt like I was forced into a box. They didn’t match how I think about project management.
From my days as a product manager, I knew systems were critical. I also knew I’d have to build my own.
Whether you’re new to freelancing or have a current process that isn’t working, here’s how to think about creating a truly epic project management system.
Start early
A lot of freelancers start their journey focusing on clients rather than systems. Understandably so — you need money!
But you can quickly feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re managing multiple clients and projects.
The earlier you can get started with a project management system, the better. You’ll be able to track your progress and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
I started thinking about systems as soon as I had two clients. By that point, I was already tracking multiple due dates per month.
