Hey!
Go mobile! My main goal for running my own biz was to have flexibility. All calls are forwarded to my cell...all the time. All of my graphic work, accounting, website updates, etc. are done from my laptop. I schedule all my print work and shipping to be done in a 3 day period (usually monday to wednesday). Granted, I am still "small time" but I manage to pay the bills. Getting set up for mobility is tricky...but here are some steps I took. Maybe it will save some time.
- Accounting - I have two people that need access (myself and one other). Use quickbooks online edition.
- Assets - I keep all of my design work with me at all times. It's stored on an external USB hard drive which is backed up often.
- Production Speed - Very important when you are anxoius to get back to the shore. This is where I spent the most amount of research. Everything must be set up for fast production. Look into single light source metal halide exposure units (you can build one yourself). Dip tank for reclaiming. Pre-registration tools. A good rotary press that's easy to register. Washout booth is a must (I use two and built them myself as well). You'll need super black transparencies to save washout time.
- Quoting - Make up a pricing guideline, have a link to it on your desktop, and rehearse it. Keep one printed out and in your glove box too.
- Internet - Get yourself a wireless card for your laptop from a cell phone provider. Wifi hotspots can have weak signals. You'll always need instant access to internet. I even have a laptop stand in my car. It's the same one the police use.
- Workflow - Create an efficient routine to get each days work done. Included checklists for things like supplies. Go through the checklist often to make sure you have all the supplies you need. Make sure you don't get jammed up waiting for that one thing you need to finish the job to be delivered.
- Website - Spend a lot of time optimizing your website for good search engine results. Get customers to come to you...save time on chasing them.
In the end, I spend 3 days a week in my shop. The rest of my work week is spent from where ever I please - a coffee shop, the beach, anywhere. My work routine may not be the best...but I make money, put out a lot of shirts, and have a stress free and flexible career.
