How to Manage Your Unpredictable Workflow Better

Being your own boss has several perks, but it also comes with a few challenges. You will have to manage quiet and extremely busy periods, so it is important that you have a plan in place. You cannot sit around for weeks waiting for business to knock on your door, and cannot get away with not seeing your family for days, because you have urgent jobs to do. Below you can find a few tips on managing unpredictable workflows better in the future.

Image via Pixabay

Create Long Term Contracts

If you find it difficult to manage the fluctuation in your business, you might want to create long term contracts. If you are a graphic designer or web developer, offer monthly packages that will help you put money on the table and keep you busy throughout the month. If you can secure a long term contract with a company, you will benefit from a steady flow of work and income at the same time, and don’t have to constantly worry about getting new customers.

Upsell Your Customers

Another trick you can use is upselling your products or services. Whenever selling a service, think about an additional project your customer might benefit from. For example, if you have just helped them learn how to cook delicious food at home, you can get them to subscribe to online coaching once a week. If you have just completed their small business online marketing project, you can offer to set up an ongoing promotion.

Learn How to Outsource

If you simply cannot cope with your workflow and don’t want to skip sleeping, you might want to find external help. You can regain control over your life by outsourcing some of the projects you have and avoid disappointing your customers. If you are in the manufacturing business, you can get a contract drawn up with a freelancer or simply talk to outsourcing experts. You can contact us today for advice information on hiring external workers to deal with your excess workload. All entrepreneurs overcommit sometimes; the difference is in how they manage the situation.

Work Ahead

Image via PxHere

Instead of doing every job right on the deadline, you can use quiet periods to work ahead. If you have an ongoing contract, you can start next month’s project now, and reduce your future workload, while avoiding sitting around. Likewise, if you have a customer that is going to need an extra service, use the time to do your research and explore opportunities. You can also spend the quiet periods to look for ways of improving your business and productivity, exploring new opportunities, and analyzing data. Plan your breaks in quiet periods, and stay flexible.

Every business has its ups and downs, and you need to learn how to manage extremely quiet and busy periods better to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Use the above intervention strategies to have a balanced workload and a steady income for the future. Be creative, don’t neglect your family, and outsource when necessary, so you can enjoy your hard-earned money.