In our fast-paced, digital working economy it can be very easy to be leaving a trail of poor security, compromised data sharing, and a careless digital footprint - all without even thinking about it. For most of us freelancing, we are the first generation of digital natives. And beyond recommending programs to try or spend money on, how can freelancers better manage their digital assets?
It can be about productivity, but it is about your personal digital economy
It goes without saying that the natural dialogue around digital assets will overlap with productivity, and productivity can include improvements to managing your digital assets. But this is more about the digital ‘economy’ you create for yourself. If you make or share files with clients - how can you ensure your safety and their safety? How do you avoid having over 10 email accounts to make sure you can sign up for all your services? How do you make sure your personal digital spend and business digital spend all work well together? For most of us, we will submit and work on a computer for our work and for everyone at some point, they surely will. So, instead of approaching the issue like ‘’I want to solve problem X’’ ask yourself, what does your bigger digital picture look like?
Templates!
So firstly, and this is something very common when people begin, try and create templates for yourself. Maybe even forms for questionnaires? Basically, anything that you would think another client may need - in a similar style or fashion, simply, make it a template! If you do this, every time you add a new client or enter a new financial period, you can simply copy that folder template. This saves time and provides the consistency you need when you need to retrieve files or documents from multiple clients/projects.
Security
Apps play a bigger role in most users' daily online interactions than traditional websites. This does not mean that the basic rules of cybersecurity have changed. Hackers are still looking for personal information that they can use to access your credit card or account information. Protecting yourself on the internet is extremely important. However, although we all like to take cybersecurity seriously, sometimes the vocabulary can be quite complicated - especially if you are not exactly a technical expert. Here are a few business-related terms that come up over the course of sharing information online:
Attempting to access users' personal information through a fake website, such as through a fake PayPal website.
Attempts to trick users into forging personal information using fake emails or messages. Never click on a link in an email if you do not know who sent it or where it goes.
Unwanted comments or messages that contain text or offer to buy something in which you have no interest.
Creating a fake version of a real web page (such as a PayPal page) with the goal of tapping users' personal information.
A type of software that spies on you while stealing your data and passwords.