Time management is not only about making time for things that should be accomplished “now” but also making sure that these things can be accomplished in the long run. App reskinning is just similar to other business venture where you spend time, money and energy so it is important to decide beforehand how much you are willing to commit. Sometimes we set unrealistic timelines and vague goals that when set in motion isn’t really sustainable in the long run.
Things would just become harder if you’re planning on tackling app reskinning over your day job and personal life. Would it mean that it’s impossible? Well, majority of app reskinners that made it big had been in this situation. How they made it out of the rat race isn’t defined by a single formula but they surely did some resource management of some sort. What we greenhorns can do is either emulate those who are already in the pedestal or mix it with the understanding of our own behaviour and limitations.
Time Management for App Entrepreneurs Made Easy
- Realistically estimate the time each activity will take. This is not only for the sake of setting a regular schedule but also in estimating the energy that these activities will consume. If you work 5-9 and you only have an hour before you nod off to sleep, physically and mentally exhausting activities should be out of the options. You should make the most of that hour with micro tasks that do not need a lot of brain power.
- Use time management tools. Apps like RescueTime, Remember the Milk, Focus booster, etc. helps not only in time management but also in organizing activities. Traditional to-do lists and checklists are also great but sometimes we need that extra push, being kept in line by a strict task master and all. These tools can increase productivity and give you a perspective into your own behaviour and motivations. Habits and skills you can develop can even transcend to your day job.
- Decide if you want to work late or early in the day. Some say that the most productive time of the day is early in the morning but some (especially zombies) say that it’s the worst time of their existence. Whichever you prefer, do not work more than four hours during workdays, reserve major work like editing sound and graphics during weekends. After you find the right schedule where you are comfortable working, create a schedule and stick to it.
- Inform your family and friends about your new side job. So as not to get disrupted, inform people that you have side projects would no longer be available to do any other activities during certain times. Tell them that this is important for you to succeed in this endeavour. By telling them beforehand, you may gain insights on their thoughts about the matter and if it can affect your relationships. You may have other responsibilities to fulfil that you can’t just relegate to someone else or the amount of time you want to spend on app reskinning may cause you to become isolated from everyone else.
- Focus. Now that no one’s going to bother you (wait, did you inform your cat?), focus on the task at hand. Avoid multi-tasking especially if you are just learning the ropes. Some suggests listening to music (especially with headphones) can help in one’s focus. Some music streaming apps have deep focus playlists containing low-key sounds that can help you relax and focus in a tunnel vision level.
- Outsource or load share. If you’re just reskinning apps just for the heck of it, you can take all the time in the world but if you’re serious in turning this into a profitable venture, you may need some help. There are some tasks in app reskinning that should be done over and over without you gaining any learning curve – in short you’re just doing plain old drudgery that any clerical worker in an office can relate to. Or better yet, you can get a partner that can also act as your sounding board and adviser. This is also advisable especially in the aspect of resources if ever you want to scale your mobile app business in the future (of course you do!).
