Are you constantly finding yourself overbooked and overworked? Are you just starting out and have no idea how to wisely schedule multiple client projects? Let’s fix that, boss lady! Take a peek below at my tried and true methods for managing multiple client projects simultaneously (and not losing my mind!):

Set Project Timelines

In a perfect world, your client will let you know they need a project completed by a specific date. With many of my branding clients, they have specific launch dates in mind which makes it easy to work quickly and efficiently toward that common goal. But don’t be tempted to take advantage of those open-ended projects with no specific deadline in sight! Do yourself, and your client, a huge favor and set out a detailed timeline for your project, complete with deadlines and clearly defined expectations. For example, let your client know when they can expect an initial design concept to proof and then let me know you’ll need feedback within X number of business days after receipt. Not only are you providing consistency for your clients, but they’re also aware that if they aren’t able to meet your deadlines for their involvement then their project may be set back a few days. It also gives you a clear idea of what work needs to happen before a certain deadline approaches. Super helpful for everyone involved!

Prioritize Projects

This is especially crucial if you’re juggling multiple client projects at once. Whenever I’m prioritizing my work load, I consider the scope of a client’s project, their deadlines and how much I can feasibly squeeze into my workday. If I have one client who needs a huge project completed in a hurry and another who is asking for some easy peasy designs at a leisurely pace, I’ll compensate accordingly. Whenever possible, I like to finish a smaller client project ahead of schedule in order to dedicate more time and energy to the whale of a project for another client. But this doesn’t mean you can sacrifice the quality of your work in order to get things done in a hurry! As you prioritize your projects, be sure that you’re devoting the same amount of creativity and heart as you move from client to client.

Manage Time Wisely

I’m a huge advocate for finding the best rhythm for managing your time throughout your workday. Everyone works at different paces and some of us produce our best work at specific times of the day, even. As you book clients and balance multiple projects at once, evaluate your time management skills and make sure you’re making the best use of your time. I personally like to schedule my day into little increments of time, designating different tasks and projects for each block. That may not work for everyone, so find what works best for you and stick with it. Taking a day or two to keep a time log of your work hours and what tasks you accomplish during that time will be a great way to definitively catalog how you’re spending your time.

Know Your Limits

Even though it’s incredibly tempting to take on as many projects as possible to bring in that cash, don’t overbook yourself. Depending on the nature of your work, you may be only able to take on one or two clients each month in order to produce your most creative work, stick to your office hours and keep yourself sane. Although I can feasibly accept multiple business consult clients every month, I limit myself to one or sometimes two branding clients a month in order to ensure they receive my undivided attention and my full creativity.

Remember that every boss lady’s schedule will look different, and don’t let yourself give into the temptation to judge your worth or productivity based on how busy someone else is. Now go out there and do work, friend!