To time or not to time…

The question about using timers is one that comes up week after week and very honestly, one I enjoy discussing with the client-side of Rock Solid.  It dawned on me recently that I have dropped the ball when it comes to speaking to the amazing contractors we have, as well as all those working in the VA, EA, OBM, independent contractor world outside of Rock Solid.

I’m using the terms “business leader” and “business owner” more and more lately and I think the intentionality behind that is because I truly view our contractors as business leaders. They are independent contractors and that effectively means they’re self-employed business owners.  In my eyes, it also means they’re business leaders - especially the ones we choose to contract with here at Rock Solid. We value them, their lives outside of work, and the skills they bring to work incredibly highly.  I’ve been in their shoes and I know the leadership and management required to handle all the things they handle each day in life and in business and to suggest they aren’t leaders in their industry is ridiculous!  

For that reason, I’d love to take a minute and share what I discuss with the client-side of Rock Solid concerning the use of timers in our daily business activities.  

When I encourage our business owners to expect and/or request timesheets, it’s never with a mindset of “checking up on”, hovering, micromanaging, or distrust!  Quite the opposite, honestly!  We discuss that the outdated script of handholding our team members needs to be flipped hard and fast! 

Now, let’s talk about how using a timer and submitting timesheets regularly benefits you and your business as an independent contractor.  

My favorite answer is this: It simply shows accountability, transparency, and trustworthiness!  The clients I interview each week almost always have the same concerns.  They want to jump in, lead well, and develop a great working relationship with their new teammate.  They know it’s possible and hope it happens sooner rather than later, but it all hinges on trust, transparency, and accountability.  

Simply providing a weekly timesheet each Friday, for example, communicates to them that you care about their business and want to see it grow.  It shows them that you’re all in and confident in the work that you’re doing and the time you’re spending on each project.  This is working with excellence and integrity and it’s the number one thing that tells your client they’ve found a very trustworthy teammate!

The first thing I mention, however, when discussing timesheets with clients is that it’s an invaluable tool for them in business.  We aren’t looking at it solely for the reasons of accountability and trust - as a matter of fact, that is the last thing we talk about.  

Receiving and assessing timesheets helps clients to evaluate the growth, ROI, and goals within their businesses.  It’s also a quick and easy way to evaluate if they can increase hours or if they need to exchange an assigned task to add another.  Maybe they need to revise their CRM, proposals, and contracts and are considering increasing their contracted hours. 

Having regular timesheets means they’ve already got a tool in place to help them make the best decision.

This means it’s also a great tool for you as an independent contractor.  If you are looking to increase your hours, you’ve got a tool that helps assess if two hours per week are needed or if 6 hours over the course of one month would be better, for example.  

But this is NOT all about your clients… trust me!

It’s very important that we are good stewards of our time, so let’s talk about how keeping a close eye on your time benefits you, your family, and your business.  

At Rock Solid, we search and test for the servant-hearted leader.  But, (please hear me loud and clear…) this doesn’t mean we are looking for nor expecting a doormat mentality!  We are all about boundaries, purpose, and teamwork and believe all three pieces are important to success.  We can set boundaries without rigidity and we don’t work with the mindset that anyone is intentionally setting out to take advantage of us.  Remember, this is one of our responsibilities as business owners (independent contractors) and not something we can “blame” another for abusing if we’re not stewarding our time well and establishing good boundaries!

Submitting a weekly timesheet is one part of this equation.  It shows professionalism, a business mindset (which is important to your client), and again, accountability.

Let me tell you what happens when your big heart - and I know you have one - gets in the way and you are consistently going over hours OR not keeping a good eye on your hours and working as if “on-call” 24/7.  It will begin with a generous, caring mindset.  You’re truly hoping to help and want to see your client find the success they are working so hard for.  However, very soon you’re going to start feeling resentment.  I promise.  I’ve seen this happen countless times.  It’s not because your client is abusing your good nature and caring mentality; it’s because you’re not using wisdom.  I’m sorry - I know that sounds harsh.  Trust me when I say to use a timer, submit your weekly timesheet to your client, and set boundaries without rigidity!  We’re rooting for you to find work that you’re passionate about and enjoy as much as we’re rooting for your client to find success in business!

The second reason I so strongly recommend using a timer is that we often tend to get our “game-on!” face on and get to work.  Before you know it, our contracted hours for the day have passed and we’re still on-task, not paying attention to the clock whatsoever.  This causes us to be over our daily or weekly limits and effectively hamstrings our week and our client's week.  Adding to this habitual work method is what I unaffectionately call the “5-minute mindset”.  We get a message from our client and think, “Oh, I’m just going to pop on my computer quickly.  This will take me 5 minutes and I’ll be outta there!”  

Nope.

Don’t do it.

Turn on your timer!!

Your time is valuable.  Steward it well.  

Finally, using a timer is simply working with wisdom.  It is a tool that will help you evaluate where your passions are, what kind of client you’d like to work with next, or if you’re even able to take on another client.  You will be able to evaluate whether it would be best to increase hours with a current client or jump into another bigger contract with someone new!  Maybe when evaluating your time, you see that it might be best to add more hours with a client who needs admin-type tasks because your creative brain space is maxed out… or vice versa!