Creating a workflow

2012-03-24

Workflow mad scientist: Chase Jarvis

Photographer and blogger Chase Jarvis shares the (somewhat complex) workflow for his photography business. Although I am not a photographer and have nowhere near the need to backup my work like he does, this video reminded me of the importance of having a workflow process that you follow for every project and see through to the end.

And it also reminded me of the importance of backing up. If you’ve never lost a hard-drive or computer with all of your current work on it, you’re either lucky or smart. Back your $h!t up!

Follow it through to the end

Seeing a project through to the bitter end is where I personally get tripped up: the follow-through. Although I have, at times, had great processes for projects, I don’t usually give myself the time and space (and discipline) to see it through to the very last step.

Whether you are working by yourself or with a team, on long projects or tasks that take 10 minutes, have an office or a coffee shop, a computer or a notebook, freelance or fulltime day job, the simple message behind this video applies to you.

Create a workflow

• Create  a workflow for yourself.
• Write it out  on a flowchart. You can use Skitch on the computer or iPad or draw it on a napkin.
• Remind yourself  of the process. Tape it to your wall. Or use it as your desktop image.
• Time out the steps  so you know how long it will take you to complete a project.
• Commit  to seeing your work through.
• And learn to  LOVE your process . (You created it, after all!)

The reward

Real freedom comes from having your work done, or knowing when it will get done so that you can play.

 *Thanks Darrin Harris Frisby for forwarding this on!