All Graphic Design Portal is a directory of resources, articles, & design education links for graphic designers & web designers including a design forum, blog, & directory.
Take a look at these creative templates for brochures, flyers, newsletters, stationery, postcards, ads, menus and posters for a variety of businesses. If you're faced with time limitations, budget constraints or simply need new creative ideas, let these designs do the work.
LIST OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FOR SMALL BUSINESS & FREELANCERS
Do You Need Project Management Software? - Having the right tools is the first step you need to take to getting any job done, so if you’re a freelancer, you need small business tools at hand.
AccuPlan : Accuplan will let you carve the path to a successful
project management, and let you optimize your time and
resources. AccuPlan helps you manage tasks, resources,
budgets, and timelines. Using visual Ques, graphs, and
reports, you will get a clear picture of the health of
your projects. (Free
to try; $39 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advanced
Time Reports Professional : Advanced Time
Reports is an intuitive time tracking and project management
solution that will help you increase your billable hours
by better managing all your projects, clients and working
hours. (Free to try;
$29.99 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advanced
Time Reports : Advanced Time Reports Web
is an intuitive time tracking and project management solution
that will help you increase your billable hours by better
managing all your projects, clients, and working hours. (Free to try; $39.99
to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - C
Complete
Time Tracking Software : Easily track your
time and generate summary and detailed reports to screen
and printer or export to file. Set hourly rates for time
billing to custom categories and subcategories such as
customers, projects and tasks. (Free
to try; $84.95 to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - D
Diary
Project Manager : Diary is a simple and secure
solution for communication and collaboration in projects
with geographically dispersed members. A fast Project
Management tool for collaboration and sharing of project
notes, time and cost. You do not need instant access to
Internet. You can work Off-Line and synchronize your notes
when you access Internet. 512 bits Encryption secures
your projects information more secure than Internet-banking.
Use a USB-memory and run Diary on any Windows based computer!
The key to a successful project is to actively involve
the project's customer and keep stakeholders informed
on a daily basis. Many project managers use Diary to share
work material, plan and co-ordinate work, and automatically
gather and share progress information. It provides the
project team and stakeholders with a single point-of-access
to share information, simplify work flow, and keep track
of current progress. (Free
to try; $400.00 to buy)
Easy
Projects : Easy Projects .NET is a Web based
Project Management System. It makes project management
hassle-free and straightforward. Key features of this
system include managing hierarchical projects and tasks,
employee timecards, e-mail notifications and alerts, defects
and requests tracking, message boards, reports and statistics. (Free to try; $89.00
to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - H
Harfang : Harfang is a powerful all-in-one software, easy-to-use,
that gives you and your small business the ability to
manage and be in control of all major aspects (time, expenses,
customers, contacts, project, contracts, timesheets, expense
reports, invoices, and payments) of your projects and
contracts with your clients. (Free
to try; $39.95 to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - I
InerTrak : InerTrak is an easy-to-use time-tracking tool for designers,
contract workers, lawyers, or anyone else who works on
multiple projects on an hourly basis. It automatically
keeps track of the time you spend on different projects
throughout the day; all you do is click to start and stop
the timer. (Free to
try; $40.00 to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - N
NewWayService : The new version 2 of NewWayService allows you to manage
work orders, actions and worked time, customers and contacts,
banks of hours, technicians and groups, products, serial
numbers, spare parts, appointments and schedule, schedules
of work, a knowledge base and more. (Free
to try; $200.00 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NetProjects : Web based project management and collaboration system.
Provides a common work space for internal and external
teams to communicate, collaborate, resolve issues, mitigate
risks, share documents and activities. from anywhere in
the world. (Free to
try; $39 to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - O
OroTimeSheet : OroTimesheet 4 allows you to keep track of the time
spent on each project by yourself (or your employees).
It also allows you to manage your projects cost, your
expenses, your customers billing, everything in a secure
environment.Very flexible, OroTimesheet adapts to your
needs whether you work for a big company or are a self-employed
freelance worker. (Free
to try; $100.00 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Our
Scheduler : Our Scheduler is a wide range-scheduling
program designed for offices/businesses with complex scheduling
issues. Schedule people, rooms, tee offs, or equipment,
you determine what you want to schedule. Schedule 24/7,
color code your appointment types, add clients, find availability,
schedule over multiple days, on any day(s) of any week/month
for any period of time. Includes daily, weekly, monthly,
3 month, gantt and reoccurring scheduling. Format dates
and currency according to your countries settings. Version
2.1.7 adds new reports and bug fixes. (Free
to try; $149.00 to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - P
Personal
TaskMaster : Today, time becomes the key
factor for determining work efficiency as well as business
and personal performance. What we actually require for
our private time management needs is a solution capable
of all the functionality of corporate systems that is
still easy to use as a handy personal organizer. Use this
unique time management solution to take advantage of tremendous
power and flexibility when dealing with personal schedule. (Free to try; $24.95
to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Project
Engine Personal : Project Engine is a powerful
but lightweight project planning and task management system.
It is a reliable, scalable and secure solution that drives
the workflow of any project ranging from a single user
to a large corporation. The system manages tasks, schedules
events, encourages work breakdown and delegation and improves
the accuracy of time estimation. Changes are tracked through
history and the current status of the project is revealed
through a vast number of reports. Templates can be used
for repeating common workflows. (Free!!)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Project
KickStart : The fastest, easiest way to plan
and schedule projects. The program's interface acts as
a planning wizard, leading you through eight quick steps
for developing a thought-out project plan. Project KickStart's
Gantt chart provides a visual time line of your tasks.
Use the program by itself or hotlink your data to Microsoft
Outlook, ACT, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project,
and other programs. Save project plans as HTML files and
post them on an Internet site. Generate project reports,
process templates, business plans, and check lists. (Free
to try; $130.00 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Project-xl : An Excel template designed for those who need to plan
and monitor small projects (up to 100 tasks), but who
don't want to spend a fortune on software. The Project-xl
workbook provides you all you'll need to manage your project
from start to finish. This includes: task lists, re-sourcing,
Gantt charts, budgets, earned value analysis, and performance
reporting. A MS Project export facility is also provided.
Version 1.0a fixes a problem that some users were experiencing
with the drop down calendar used to select dates. The
calendar control used in previous version has now been
replaced with an internally coded calendar. (Free
to try; $34.00 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Project
Reporter : Easily creates three type of reports
for planning, progress and final report for your projects.
By using project reporter you can create reports for planning
and scheduling phase and progress phase and final phase
of your project. (Free
to try; $9.99 to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - R
Risky
Project : RiskyProject is a project planning,
quantitative risk analysis, performance measurement software
that project managers can use to plan and implement project
with multiple risks and uncertainties. RiskyProject analyzes
the project schedule and risk lists together, calculates
the chance that project will be completed within a given
period of time and budget, and presents the user with
results in formats that are easy to read and understand. (Free to try; $699.00
to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - S
SharedPlan
Personal Edition : Plan successful projects with SharedPlan Personal Edition.
It supports e-mail collaboration, PERT/Gantt charts with
critical path identified, reporting, analysis, custom
calendar, and resource pool. (Free
to try; $69.95 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Studiometry : Studiometry is a tool for freelance designers,
consultants, tech support personnel, as well as small
design firms. Studiometry keeps everything in one convenient
location: Client data, Project data, Project files, To
Do's, Debts, Invoices, Notes. Among its features: Store
information about every aspect of your projects and clients
including billing data, expenses, time worked, fees, to-do's,
invoices, media, passwords, specs. Find Projects and clients
quickly with organized lists sorted by their statuses
and categories. Support for recurring, one time, and hourly
fees, as well as the ability for user-created Debt/Credit
types. (Free to try;
$79.99 to buy)
PROJECT / TIME MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE - T
Timeless
Time and Expense : A simple but powerful
explorer interface makes it easy to track time and expenses
for billing, project management, and status reporting.
Organize your tasks in a hierarchy that makes sense. Set
user permissions by client, project, task or any of up
to 20 custom levels. Integrated with the windows system
tray, Timeless Time and Expense makes it easy to start
timers without interrupting your work. Keep abreast of
upcoming work with to do entries. When it's time to find
out what's been done, a report wizard guides you through
creating reusable detail, summary or invoice reports.
Select exactly what to report. Use specific dates or relative
time frames to create reusable reports. Create shared
reports for standardized reporting across users and tasks.
Preview, print or export reports to HTML, CSV and PDF
formats. Import your MS projects plans and update them
with the work of your whole team. (Free
to try; $59.99 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TimeSheetsExpress
Free : A free timesheet and expense program,
designed for SME's. Tasks can be assigned to a client
or project and are quickly selected and input from your
individual task list, you can add reminder notes to each
entered task. Notes and time summaries can be printed
on a per client/project basis. Extensive reporting allows
you to run detailed reports on any or all your timesheets
enabling you to track and bill all your time spent with
one or more project or client. Projects can be allocated
different billing rates, allowing you to charge or bill
time at various rates. Ideal for individual users. Export
timesheets to common formats, CSV, HTML, PDF, and XLS. (Free!!)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TimeBox : The TimeBox application is a multi-platform time management
tool for contractors and consulting professionals. Features
include a punch-clock metaphor, at-a-glance time summaries,
a customizable report generator, and advanced search and
editing capabilities. But what really set TimeBox apart
are its network capabilities. Users can access their TimeBox
applications over the wired or wireless Internet via any
standard Web browser; the application is also integrated
into the TimeSuite time management system, allowing individual
users to submit their time to TimeStor, a central server
application which summarizes and reports on collective
times. Version 5.6.2 improves support for special characters
and ease of editing already-tracked time. (Free
to try; $9.00 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time
Panic : TimePanic is a personal time tracking
solution that consists of a Windows and a Pocket PC application.
Both applications can be synchronized via ActiveSync.
This solution helps you to observe and improve your style
of working and is well suited to personal project management.
At the simplest level, it automatically records your daily
working times. At the most advanced level, it assists
you in categorizing your jobs, keeps records of leave
days, calculates overtime, and creates project reports. (Free to try; $76.00
to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time
CEO : TimeCEO is a handy time tracking software
for those who want to take control over time spend on
PC. TimeCEO represents the most comprehensive information
about selected applications usage in numerical and graphical
formats. It helps to detect your working time consumption,
time leaks and working time usage efficiency as well.
This software is really useful for freelancers, by hour
employers and those who care about self time management. (Free to try; $33.00
to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Time
Core : TimeCore is a time tracking tool specializing
in the capture and management of time-based data. Whether
you are looking for a simple Notepad replacement or a
tool that can adapt to existing time and billing procedures,
TimeCore Pro provides a consistent data source for the
delivery of time sheets, invoices, and other time-related
reports. (Free to try;
$38.50 to buy)
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TimeWise
Light : TimeWise Light is a billing and cost
control for small organizations who value their time.
Use TimeWise to help your organization gain extensive
integrated control of your two most valuable assets: your
clients and the work you do for them. Tracking activity
as it happens across ten departments, you'll have every
detail at your fingertips, without losing sight of the
big picture. (Free to
try; $99.95 to buy)
How to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Customers - A Guide to Customer Relationships for Freelancers & Self EmployedOne of the best ways to run a good business as well as keep the clients which you currently have is to build a strong relationship with your clients. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and this is true for those who have a business relationship. The clients want to feel as if they matter to the business owner as they are part of the reason why the business is still in existence. There are a few ways for business owners to build a strong relationship with their customers as doing so will not only maintain their client base but possibly expand it as well through recommendations.
A complete, secure, online billing application that maintains hourly service billing, flat fee billing and recurring charges. Integration with Authorize.Net and other leading payment gateways provides hands-free recurring billing with a sophisticated CRM system.
If you feel like you are just going through the motions, and that you have no idea whether or not you are running your business properly, then you will be happy to know that there are many free small business courses, workshops, and seminars online. Below you will find a large list of these free educational courses.
A freelancer developing an effective marketing plan must have the right tools to foster success in business. The following list contains several links of marketing plan tools to produce a successful business.
A solid, well-prepared marketing strategy is the foundation of success in business. The freelancer or any type of business owner must become informed on the development of an effective marketing plan. The following links will focus on marketing plan articles for the freelancer to have a successful business.
In any type of the business including those people that perform freelance work, the proper tools are necessary to become a success. The following links consist of selected online tools for the freelancer to develop an effective business plan.
Business plans are necessary in all types of businesses … and this also includes freelancers. Writing an effective business plan will help you plan out the success of your future business. Factors such as customer base, profit potential, as well as many other factors will be placed in this document. The business plan will help you, the freelancer, think through every aspect of your future successful business. We found the following business plan articles to be very helpful and we hope that you will find them to be useful too.
A freelancer’s time is precious and he/she must follow precise tasks to maintain productive performance and income. The following link list will examine useful online tools that will keep the freelancer in a productive manner. The following list is a list of To-Do Lists and Task Management Lists tools and software.
In a previous list, the freelancer was presented with a list of tools for creating invoices. The following links will present the manner and methods in which to develop a proper invoice for the freelancer of any business type. With the following helpful guides and tutorials, you as a consultant will understand the steps that you will need to take in order to invoice your customers properly.
The Invoice is an important part of any type of business out there, including for the freelancer as well. The basic definition of an invoice is a detailed list of goods shipped or services rendered with an accounting of all costs included in the document. As a freelancer, we might not feel comfortable dealing with invoices or money in general. The links below offer a vast variety of online invoicing and billing tools for the freelancer in all business types.
Helpful hints and tips to overcome the dreaded White Page Syndrome - There is probably nothing more dreadful and problematic for a writer than not being able to get going, being stuck on a menacingly white page. Many a time, one or more writing assignment make us feel like Jack Nicholson in “The Shining”; one step shy of freezing to death in a haunted hedge maze. Once the choke has started its nefarious effect, it becomes quicksand, drowning us further and further into an inability to come up with something to properly put down on paper.
In the world of freelance, customer referrals are everything. The amount of customer referrals will often determine how successful one’s business can really be. As word spreads quickly, having customers refer others to you and your services is a wonderful way of gaining new business and making more money. There are a few distinct ways to get more customer referrals for your business.
A complete, secure, online billing application that maintains hourly service billing, flat fee billing and recurring charges. Integration with Authorize.Net and other leading payment gateways provides hands-free recurring billing with a sophisticated CRM system.
Browse through our extensive list of free Business, Computer, Engineering and Trade magazines, white papers, downloads and podcasts to find the titles that best match your skills and interests; topics include management, marketing, operations, sales, & technology. Simply complete the application form and submit it. All are absolutely free to freelance professionals who qualify.
The followup to Brendan Sinclairs successful Web Design Business kit is a comprehensive look at all the business aspects of working as a web designer. It's thorough and has some excellent advice in it.
All Graphic Design Portal is a directory of resources, articles, & design education links for graphic designers & web designers including a design forum, blog, & directory. 
Billing Orchard's Invoicing for Freelancers
