Few Tips For Record Keeping for Freelancers.

Few Tips For Record Keeping for Freelancers.

For being freelancers, records are the last things we think about. There’s a design to finish for a client to call about an invoice, so always something more important to handling records.

Whether you need to go back to an old version of a project for your client or you need to pull your copy of an invoice. The biggest problem we face in getting our records into order and that most of us work on our own. It’s hard to find time for tasks like filing when it’s just you. Here are few tips which can give you a few ways to manage your record keeping.

1. Choose Online Tools

Using online tools can make it much easier to manage your records. Depending on the tools you choose, you can skip filing altogether and even automate a lot of the processes that go along with filing.

2. Get a Filing Cabinet

No matter how many online tools you use, there will be some documents you need to have in hard copy. Shoe boxes aren’t really a long-term filing solution, so buckle down and get a filing cabinet — even a little one that can slide into your closet will be enough.

3. Keep Your Paper Files Simple

Depending on how paperless your process is, you may only have a few file folders. The most important could include ‘Contracts,’ ‘Taxes,’ and Bills.

4. Rely On Search For Your Computer Files

As long as you make sure that you have a consistent way of naming files, you can typically rely of searching your computer to find any file you need. It isn’t a best practice, admittedly, but if you don’t have time to devote to managing your online files, it will suffice.

5. Set Aside Time For Filing

Your files aren’t going to organize themselves so set the time aside to get your paperwork off your desk and into the filing cabinet, shredder or trash can. If you do so on a regular basis, it may be just fifteen minutes every week or so.

6. If Your Filing is Making You Crazy, Outsource It

While freelancers don’t always have a lot of cash to throw at administrative expenses. You don’t need a full-time administrative assistant, either — you can get away with bringing anyone who can match names to files or at least understand the basics of your filing system.

7. Back Up Your Files As Much As Possible

There are several options for backing up computer files, including printing off hard copies. Creating a back up system for hard copies can be harder, but if a document is particularly important, perhaps scanning it in is worth the time and effort.

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-Credits: freelanceswitch.com