Smart Business Tips for Freelancers and Self-Employed
As a first-time freelancer of self-employed individual, you certainly have plenty of questions about managing a business like this. Good news is, the Web is full of useful information and smart tools that will make everything easier. Below are some smart tips that will help you in the first year as a self-employed or freelancer.
#1. Use Free Apps and Tools
A smart tip that all fresh freelancers could use is only working with free apps and tools. Luckily for you, there are plenty of products of this kind on the market. These apps and tools have various purposes, from scheduling apps to various software products that help with CRM duties. For all paid versions, there is a free one with similar features. Take Google Docs, for instance. It may not be the fanciest tool of its kind, but it’s certainly useful, and most importantly, free. Research is there is a free substitute for all apps that you want to initially purchase. You might be lucky.
#2. Work from a Storage Unit
Many freelancers work from home, and this can be a real productivity killer. Instead of letting yourself distracted from various things at home, search for storage units near me and set up an office there. While this is a less traditional option, you can make the most out of your time spent at “the office”. Which isn’t the case if you choose to work from home. At home, you have plenty of distractions. From your children and pets, to different housework tasks and so on. This will keep you away from working at your full potential. Better rent a storage unit and set up your office there, in this case.
#3. Pay Your Taxes on Time
Full-time freelancers have to pay their taxes as an ongoing part of their jobs. This might be a bit difficult, for an untrained one, but for the best results, try to collaborate with an accountant. They will definitely help in the matter and will make all these tasks easier. You will be able to forget about them and still have them paid on time, every time. Making delayed payments is one of the biggest mistakes that you could make. This will translate into higher taxes, in the future.
#4. Take Advantage of Tax Deductions
In certain areas of the globe, freelancers can take advantage of tax deductions. You can write off much more things than you initially expect. Make sure to document yourself and find out which are those expenses you can write off. This will help you more than you think, profit-wise.
These are four smart business tips that will help you have an easier time as a first-time freelancer or self-employed individual. Make sure to follow them closely and ask around when you’re not certain of various aspects of managing a similar business. This will help you, in the long run, more than you anticipate. Also, never overlook the importance of a dedicated space to work in.