Comments on: Why Do Freelancers Neglect Systems?

By: Dwayne Phillips

Dwayne Phillips — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:24:08 +0000

I have always used systems as a freelancer. What attracted me to freelance work is that I could use more disciplined systems than we didn’t use at work. I am an engineer by training and at one time used the Personal Software Process at home. In that, I kept track of the estimated and actual time for all tasks, adjusted future estimates accordingly and drew graphs and used statistics on all that. Maybe too much, but a learning experience.

By: Miguel

Miguel — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:44:54 +0000

Hey hey

A system, also known as a plan. Know your plan and work your plan as a mentor of mine use to say. Mindset is another significant aspect- we could have a right system in place but with a poor mindset (attitude) our businesses wouldn’t become maybe what they should be. People spend a lot of money looking for plans- buying into the next Gurus trendy methods, blow money only to never earn it back. Why? Mindset isn’t where it needs to be. Thanks for the insight.

-Mig

Miguel´s last blog post…The Top 30 Blogs on Writing

By: Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:48:14 +0000

I think flexible systems are the key. For many ideas-driven entrepreneurs following systems would be like working in a prison - no freedom to adapt quickly. By creating flexible systems (ideally even before you start your business), you have a foundation to create the wild dreams that will result in success without any of the frustating chaos in between. And what is a flexible system? Simple answer - one that's more guidelines and check-ins than shoulds and musts. Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s last blog post...Need some butt-kicking? Someday Syndrome needs new Lab Rats

By: Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach

Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:05:05 +0000

One of the best and easiest systems to use is to simply boil down complicated tasks to a series of steps, and then type/cut/paste them into a text file that you can always find. Once it's formatted neatly, you can print out 5-6 copies and tape them up on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror, front door, etc.etc.etc. This process works quite well for both business folk and also kids who are learning effective methods of studying (we call it The Ling Rules of Academic Success). Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s last blog post...Compel a Mentor to CRAVE you - Part II

By: James

James — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:17:12 +0000

I think it’s important to note that there’s a difference between a routine (a pattern of steps that you repeat) and a system (a pattern of steps that achieve a specific goal).

@ Michelle – For example, that’s not a system. It’s a habitual pattern, with the sole goal of getting you through your day. A system would be “How to Make Coffee”, with set steps that never change and that are maximized to produce the most efficient results. For example, it’s not fast to put in a filter, get water, grab the coffee, measure it, pour the water. A system would be get coffee, insert filter, measure coffee, get water, pour water.

See the diff?

By: Harry

Harry — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:36:15 +0000

@Norlyn: Systems; know them, use them, learn to love them. As Dave Navarro says on Rock Your Day: “You’ll thank yourself for it.”

@Michelle: Sounds like you’re off to a good start and it’s great that you’re recognizing the need for systems early on.

@Chris: It’s so true, and once a person realizes that, creativity comes much easier.

By: Christoffer Torris Olsen

Christoffer Torris Olsen — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:29:59 +0000

@Harry: You're exactly right. So-called "Creative freedom" isn't really that free, and as you're saying, you need a box to think outside it. Christoffer Torris Olsen´s last blog post...Removing Anxiety By Creating A Ritual

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:14:48 +0000

This made me smile. My two friends and I just started our own business, and we’re putting a lot of focus on systems and on laying a good foundation, mostly because our previous job didn’t really have any of that.

My routine is, once I get up, to make myself some tea and spend about an hour to an hour and a half working on fiction writing. Then I take a break to read my comics and get a shower. After that, I hunker down to do business stuff for the day: emails and writing early on while my brain is still awake, mindless record-keeping and such in the afternoons when my energy is starting to wane. So far, so good, but I’ll continue to refine it as time goes on.

@Harry – Hmm, I took a look at that 10 minute post. Interesting. I may have to try that….(I’m a TERRIBLE procrastinator).

By: Norilyn Aspera

Norilyn Aspera — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:03:18 +0000

Well, your blog post title struck my fancy. I am a freelancer, and admittedly I hate systems myself. But I guess, sometimes, you need it to keep on track and get organized.

By: Harry

Harry — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:14:17 +0000

Huh, okay, it didn’t like the link to the creativity post. *sigh*