Tools for Freelancing
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- GaryTaylor
I'm looking at heading out solo in the near future, and I'm trying to put together a list of startup expenditures. I think I have everything I need accounted for, but I'd like to hear what tools/resources I might be overlooking.
What do you use in your day-to-day jobs? What tools do you need to do your job (besides a computer/software)?
- JackRyan0
- Well played, Sir.GaryTaylor
- thread should have ended here.Point5
- sofakingbanned0
cocaine.
- yeah that always gets my productivity back up to 14straight hours of "WTF was i thinking"applepirate
- you must be doing some really good money to end the end of the year on a + balanceMeeklo
- JackRyan0
If it gets real crazy, I would get some kind of time management software. It makes it a lot easier to figure out if you're coming out ahead on jobs...keeps things organized.
- zod0
Moleskines. They do anything you want them to: expense tracking, notes, journaling, sketches.
- airey0
if you don't have a blackberry or ipod i'd recommend a cheap palm pilot or similar. it helps with the scheduling especially when you get calls for future work while you're out and about. i found it really helpful to have as it made sure i didn't double book or miss anything. the iphone is excellent for this with it's ical compatibility but anything is fine.
- zod0
"a Starbucks Gold card is..." a good investment. $25/year for 10% off and 2 hours of free wifi every day. Gives you some mobility, meeting clients and what not.
- Original idea, I like it.GaryTaylor
- just broke down and got one myself. well spent 25bucks for sure!applepirate
- GaryTaylor0
Pantone Guides? Or just the color bridge?
- MSTRPLN0
Things • http://culturedcode.com/things/
- Good call.GaryTaylor
- This looks nice. You use this MSTRPLN?arthur
- interesting, what does it do exactly?Meeklo
- Llyod0
excel
photoshop
- d_rek0
1) Lloyd
2) Rob Benjamin
3) Torture Device(s)
- elahon0
Billings. Time tracking, project management, invoicing, etc. Excellent value.
http://www.billingsapp.com/
- Scotch_Roman0
Billings is good for time tracking and project management. But trying to design my own invoices using their stone-age shite layout app is a nightmare. Plus you can't number invoices the way you want. It's automatically done for you, no edits. Pretty annoying.
- what version of Billings are you using? Billings 3 allows you to number any way you like.Point5
- CheDouglas0
we use briefcase for job management, invoicing, quoting, purchase orders etc.. very customisable and bloody fantastic piece of software.. http://www.briefcase.net.au/
- Scotch_Roman0
Have you considered stationery?
If you're like me, you'll plow through a ton of business cards, but will never use letterhead except for contracts and the occasional thank you note. So, when you print that stuff make sure to order realistic quantities. I've got a stack of unused letterhead that will never get used, b/c I ran out of business cards and decided to print the new run with my address (not just phone & email). That means redesigning letterhead. At least I didn't print envelopes before as well.
Have you thought about things like x-acto knife/blades, rulers, self-healing mat, storage cabinets, comping table?
- GaryTaylor0
@ Scotch_Roman:
I've thought of stationery. Planning on some letterpress materials, low quantities to start with.
The knives, mats, table, etc, I had forgotten about. Good tip.
- acescence0
some kind of versioning system, subversion, git, etc.. more necessary if you do html/code as well.
regular offsite backups.
- Llyod0
a silver letter opener with an eagle head handle
- GaryTaylor0
@Llyod:
I already have one. The eagle has imitation rubies for eyes. It's very impressive.
- Brian_Piper0
Find a good copywriter and perhaps even a lawyer. Scotch Roman is dead on about the letterhead. I've thrown so many unused 8.5x11 in. sheets away (which were also letterpressed : (