Confessions of an Organized Creative

I like to call myself an organized creative. 

A lot of the work I do requires my creativity and the right side of my brain. 

But I’m also an incredibly organized and “Type A” person when it comes to the way I run my show. 

I track all my own invoices and payments. Schedule all my own calls. Project manage myself. I am both the creative and the admin. 

For years, I’ve relied on apps to keep me on top of my sh*t. These are the three I simply could not live without. 

#1. Microsoft To-Do. I keep all my systems digital and this app makes it simple. It allows me to categorize each project by creating its own list and set recurring weekly tasks. Once they’re scheduled I can glance at my day or look ahead at the week. It’s an easy system to help me get a realistic view of my capacity. 

Without this app, I wouldn’t remember to write this newsletter or send my invoices or schedule calls. I’m not a big Microsoft girly, but their To-Do list app is my employee of the month every month and she’s free! 

Here is a peek into one day’s worth of my scheduled tasks. 👀

#2. Evernote. I have a physical notebook I use to jot down notes during calls and other miscellaneous doodles. However, Evernote is my digital notebook. I use it for things like my checklist for tax season, my list of passwords for literally everything (sacred!!), and it’s where I write down my goals every year.  

Without Evernote, I would be scrambling to find that one random notebook for that one rogue password for a random subscription. Don’t be that girl, you stress me outttt. 

#3. Voice Memos. This app isn’t groundbreaking. I’m sure we all use some sort of app like this, but I use it most often for calls with clients briefing me on a new project. I always take notes but sometimes details get lost. I think I’m confident enough to remember everything, but at the end of the day I’m just a girl. 

Also, voice memos help me stay present on the call. Instead of worrying about writing down every detail, having a recording to refer back to and I can be active in the conversation instead of frantically taking notes. 

Side note! Maybe it’s the journalism major in me, but I always let the client know if I’m recording the call. Even if the call doesn’t feel serious, it’s always better to give a heads up.

You don’t have to make it weird. I usually say something along the lines of, “As a side note I’ll be recording our call today so I can make sure I remember everything you say.” They’re always cool with it and thankful.

Xo, The Salesgirls

PS. I love learning about new and helpful apps – if you have any that save your life when it comes to running a business solo, holler at ya girl!