Guides
Practical guides for a business of one
Plain-English articles on getting paid, saving time and using AI sensibly. Written to be useful whether or not you ever click a software link.
Get Paid
Get PaidHow to Chase a Late Invoice Without Losing the ClientHow to remind a client to pay an invoice without sounding rude: a reminder timeline, gentle, firm and final email templates, and payment terms explained.Get PaidDo You Actually Need Invoicing Software?When a spreadsheet is enough, when free software fits and when paid invoicing software is worth it, with a way to estimate your time and a simple decision guide.Get PaidFreshBooks vs. Bonsai vs. Zoho Books vs. Xero for Solo ProfessionalsFreshBooks, Bonsai, Zoho Books and Xero compared for solo professionals: starting prices, client and invoice limits, reminders and fees, checked against official pages.Get PaidHow to Set a Freelance Rate That Accounts for Nonbillable TimeWhy dividing your salary by 2,080 undercharges you, how nonbillable time changes your rate, and a worked example you can adapt with our free rate calculator.
Save Time
Save TimeHow to Automate Invoice Reminders Without Becoming a Technical ExpertFour levels of invoice-reminder automation, from calendar alerts to no-code workflows and AI-assisted drafting, with guardrails that keep it from embarrassing you.Save TimeBuild a Simple Back Office for a Freelance DesignerA lightweight back office for a freelance designer: intake, proposals, scheduling, project tracking, invoicing and reminders. Free options first, software second.Save TimeClient Onboarding for a Business of OneA repeatable client onboarding process for freelancers: intake questions, proposals, agreements, scheduling and payment expectations, with templates and a checklist.