Nowhere in any industry is the axiom more true, “The shoemaker’s children go barefoot.” As my freelance company has grown and thrived, I find more and more that I have no time for administrative tasks like filing. Virtual assistants are great, but they aren’t sitting right next to you! Not only that, but many freelancers probably can’t afford an assistant, virtual or otherwise. There is simply no way around it…you’re pretty much stuck doing everything yourself. So there’s no time like the present to learn how to do it right.

That’s why I truly appreciate your suggestions. I had to really laugh out loud as I read your description of what typically happens when a prospect calls. That’s exactly what I’ve been experiencing. It’s quite frustrating. In our dedication to serve customers, we do a disservice to ourselves.

Even though this post is almost a month old, I just read it today and I had to tell you it was extremely timely for me, since I was just complaining today that I was drowning in bits and pieces of paperwork and notes I made two weeks ago that I couldn’t make out today.

So thank you very much!

Yes, I print everything out and attach email messages, attachments, etc. to my form.

I have three files in my desk drawer: a file folder full of blank forms, a folder holding completed forms from those people who have inquired about my services and need a next step (i.e. proposal, work samples, etc.), and a file folder holding those prospects to whom I’ve submitted a proposal.

Once I receive a signed check / contract, I then make a new folder for that project / client.

Everything is filed in my drawer alphabetically. Everything is easily found!

I learned the file folder system from David Allen in his book, Getting Things Done. He says to buy a label maker, so I did. What a difference that makes!

I could write a whole post about filing things so that you can find them again.

By this do you mean you’re printing out emails and filing them in a paper folder?