Technology has always been a game-changer when it comes to efficiency, and that is especially true for freelancers. It used to be that the only way to get work done was to be in an office from 9-5, but now there are a plethora of options that allow freelancers to get work done from anywhere at any time.
In fact, more people around the world are rejecting the 9-to-5 to work as a freelancer. Freelancers have more control over their work and time, and they can often make just as much money as someone with a traditional job.
Here are some ways technology has improved efficiency among freelancers.
Communication
One of the major ways that technology has improved efficiency among freelancers is in the area of communication. In the past, if you wanted to communicate with someone, you had to either meet in person or pick up the phone and call them. This took a lot of time and was often not very convenient.
However, various instant messaging applications, video conferencing applications, and email make it easy to communicate with anyone at any time. This has made it much easier for freelancers to stay in touch with their clients and collaborate on projects.
Zoom, for example, exploded in popularity during the pandemic as people around the world were forced to work from home. The app allowed employees to have video meetings and stay connected even when they were not in the same physical space.
As more and more people continue to work remotely, it is likely that communication apps will only become more popular and essential for freelancers.
Slack and Trello also increase productivity for workers outside the office by giving them a place to easily communicate with their team, share files, and keep track of deadlines.
Project Management
Another area where technology has improved efficiency among freelancers is in project management. In the past, if you wanted to keep track of your projects, you either had to use a paper planner or remember everything in your head.
However, now many project management applications allow you to easily keep track of your projects and deadlines. This has made it much easier for freelancers to stay organized and on top of their work.
Basecamp, for example, is a project management application that gives users a place to share files, communicate with team members, and keep track of deadlines.
Asana is another popular project management application that allows users to create to-do lists, set deadlines, and assign tasks to team members.
Having a good project management system is essential for freelancers who want to be efficient and organized.
Time Tracking
Another way that technology has improved efficiency among freelancers is in the area of time tracking. In the past, if you wanted to track your time, you had to use a stopwatch or timer. However, now many time-tracking applications allow you to easily track your time and bill your clients accordingly. This has made it much easier for freelancers to accurately track their time and get paid for their work.
Many time-tracking applications are available, but some of the most popular ones include Toggl, RescueTime, and Harvest.
Personal Assistant
Nowadays, one doesn’t have to be the CEO or the president to have a personal assistant. Regular folks can create more time during their day by delegating routine tasks to a virtual assistant.
By using a virtual assistant, you can free up your time so that you can focus on more important tasks. This is especially helpful for freelancers who wear many hats and have to juggle different projects at the same time.
Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa can do basic tasks such as setting alarms, adding items to a to-do list, and checking the weather.
If you need something more complex, you can hire a professional virtual assistant from a company such as Fancy Hands or Zirtual.
Navigation Apps
Navigation apps such as Waze and Google Maps make it easy to get around, even if you’re in an unfamiliar area. This is especially helpful for freelancers who have to travel to meet with clients or attend events. These apps prevent time wasted on getting lost and can help you get to your destination quickly and efficiently.
GPS apps can also help companies can track assets or personnel. For example, if you’re a freelancer who does on-site visits, your client can use a navigation app to track your location and make sure you’re on schedule. It also makes it easier for drain cleaning companies or pest control businesses to keep an eye on where their crews are at any certain moment.
Technology has improved efficiency among freelancers in many ways. By using communication apps, project management applications, time-tracking applications, virtual assistants, and navigation apps.
Technology has improved efficiency among freelancers. Communication, project management, time tracking, and navigation apps have made it easier for freelancers to stay organized and on top of their work. What other ways do you think technology has improved efficiency among freelancers?
