How to develop the archer mentality?
In the mist of Covid-19 (Corona Virus), we at JDS WebDesign are hoping everyone is safe, washing your hands frequently, sneezing and coughing in your elbow, and practicing social distancing. Over the next several weeks, we are planning on blogging about how to make your website more business friendly. We will have some tutorials on our favorite plugins and features, which will make your site more efficient.
What is the archer mentality? In a few words, saving for things that really matter. As freelancer, how many times do we spend for the shining objective and find ourselves either outside of our comfort space or just do not have enough time to figure out the shining objective.
“A Great Archer saves his arrows for bears and not rabbits.” – Unknown
Archer Mentality
The archer mentality really comes down to three questions. Is this current, existing or past expense needed for me to grow my business? More specific, does this plugin and/or theme make my workflow better or more efficient? Lastly can I afford this software?
Most of these questions can only be answered by us. Most are a really difficult to resolve, as we live in a world, where we are looking at our colleagues or competitors and want to make sure we offer the same or better service than they do. Instead of worrying about your colleagues and competitors, just make sure you are doing your best. Really easy to say, but that is not the reality for most freelancer.
Unnecessary Expense
I remember when I started hanging out with the WordPress Community. It seemed like everyone had a We Work location. For years, I worked out of my home. If a meeting was needed outside of my house, then I went to my nearby Starbucks. This had worked for 10 + years, but feeling (and it was self induced) pressured to have an office. I signed a six month lease. After 30 days, I knew it was a mistake. Forcing myself to come into an office, only to find myself unmotivated and unsuccessful. Left me no choice, but to look for a sublease. Fortunately, I was able to find someone.
Another blunder was to pay for an 800 number. I still struggle with my though process on this one. In today worlds, (most of us) can call someone without the fear of long distance fees and cost. Again not sure, why I placed this extra cost on my freelance business.
My father use to say, “If you have not worn that shirt in the past 90 days, then you might want to consider giving it away.” Similarly, I take advantage of short lease. And if no value is found, then I just walk away.
More Efficient Workflow
Because I use Elegent Themes Divi on most of my projects, then it was a worthy investment. However, I would not invest in another page builder or theme. Because the use would not be worth it to me. This cost would be placed on the client, especially if this is something that they wanted.
When you are looking to have a more efficient workflow, make sure that you do not allow an out layer to penetrate your workflow. I am a huge ASANA , work flow and management tool. Recently I had a client, who used Monday. While I did like some of Monday’s tools, it did not make sense to have two management tools. Beside the cost and confusion. It would not make my workflow more efficient, just take more coins from my bank account.
Affordability
Do you have a budget? You should have a personal budget. You should have a business budget. They should not intermingle. Items not listed on your business budget, should not be entertained. I spend the last couple of weeks in December, looking at what was accomplished. I make a budget for the upcoming year. While I do have a line item of miscellaneous or other, typically it is only 10 or 15% of what I plan to spend. I will check my budget on a quarterly basis. Make sure that I am held accountable for my business expenses.
Can you afford it? Really simple questions…and this question has made a huge difference in my business bottom line.
Image courtesy of Christiann Koepke.
JDS WebDesign is a Web Design and Brand Marketing Agency located in Marietta, Georgia. We create AWESOME on line presence for Start-ups and Influential People/Organizations. To learn more about us or how we can help you and your organization, you can contact us or schedule a meeting.
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