Juggling multiple projects can be tough, especially with clients who delay payments. It’s a struggle to maintain motivation when the cash flow slows down.
I usually manage my timelines well, but unpaid invoices can throw me off balance. How do you find a way to focus on the work despite these distractions?
Stop work when they stop paying. Simple as that. You’re not a charity.
Two invoice rule works great. First unpaid invoice hits 30 days? I switch to basic deliverables only. Second unpaid invoice? Work stops until they pay up. I track deadlines in my notebook, payments on a separate page. When payments back up, I push deadlines to match their payment schedule. Want faster delivery? Pay faster. Been using this system for years and it keeps me afloat.
The trick is having a buffer system that keeps you sane.
I keep a simple document with three columns:
Invoices unpaid past 15 days? That project goes into maintenance mode. I’ll meet deadlines but won’t put in extra effort or overtime.
Meanwhile I’m hunting for new work to fill the gaps. The unpaid project stays on life support until they pay.
Sounds cold but it works. One slow-paying client can’t mess up your whole pipeline. Deadlines still get met but my enthusiasm matches their payment speed.
I just keep working and bug them for payment.
I separate work and payments completely. I use a clear deadline tracking system that I stick to regardless of payment issues. If cash flow gets tight, I request a partial payment upfront. This way, late payments won’t disrupt my focus on other projects.