Running a small business is hard. On top of managing your existing client work and sourcing new business, you have to stay on top of logistics and planning — and those often fall by the wayside. But seasoned freelancers know that organization isn’t optional. And consistently reporting on your progress and realigning on your goals is key to your business’s health. It’s these unbillable but essential activities that pave the way for growth and sustainability.

But the ongoing ops of running a business add up. It can feel daunting to keep track of dozens of moving parts at once, all while trying to keep your creative spark firing. To help lighten your mental load, we’ve put together this monthly checklist of to-dos that are critical for practically every freelance business. You can ask yourself these questions each month to ensure you’re keeping the engine running smoothly.

Mental health:

• Have I reminded myself of my “why” for freelancing?
• How did I give myself space to be human and imperfect this month?
• Did I take breaks when I needed them?
• How have I adjusted my schedule to support my wellbeing?
• What am I proudest of this month?
• How can I be kinder to myself next month?

Logistics:

• What processes or tools supported my freelance flow this month?
• What processes or tools got in the way of my flow this month?
• Is there anything I can automate or make more efficient?
• Is there anything I can take off my plate and delegate?
• Is my business in good legal shape (i.e. registrations up-to-date, quarterly taxes paid, etc.)?

Marketing:

• Did I promote my offerings on all of my major social platforms?
• Do I have links to my work or contact info on all of my social profiles?
• Did I talk about my work IRL with my friends, family, and community?
• Am I clearly articulating what I offer and why I’m the best person for the job?
• Did I share client testimonials publicly to build up my credibility?
• Are there new client quotes or testimonials I can highlight to show value?
• Are my website and contact form functioning properly?

Money:

• Is it time to raise my rates?
• Have I tracked all of my expenses?
• Did I send out all of my invoices?
• Do I have any unpaid or overdue invoices I need to follow up on? 
• Am I meeting my monthly financial goals? If not, why?

Community:

• Am I leaning on my support system or community in times of need? If not, why? 
• Who would I love to connect with in the near future?
• What communities are feeling like safe havens for me right now?
• What communities would I like to be a part of in the near future?
• Who in my work life has really shown up for me lately?
• Who have I really shown up for lately?
• How can I give back to my community in the upcoming month?

Do a once-over of this list monthly to make sure you’re covering all your bases, and tending to yourself just as much as you’re tending to your business. As freelancers, we basically are our businesses — after all, they couldn’t run without us. So when you’re questioning whether prioritizing your personal needs is worth it, remember that your whole life (including your biz) gets better when you’re taking good care of you.

If you find yourself hitting snags when it comes to business ops and tools, Harlow is here to help. Our all-in-one freelance tool is here to help you get organized, save time, and look professional with automated invoicing, proposal templates, and much more — all from one centralized hub.