Timekeeping
Keep logs transparent and simple.
Why is accurate timekeeping important?
Clients read logs and because they want to know what was done and why.
If there isn’t enough detail, or they don’t understand, they may think we are hiding something or that we’re overcharging.
How to write a good description
Give details that the client can reference, like pages, functions, areas.
Your reports must be honest, neat, and descriptive.
Write as if you’re writing to the client—so they understand.
Include some technical details, when needed.
Describe the process and not just the final outcome.
Thinking, planning, researching should be described in more detail.
Not accepted logs are not paid
If your work is wrong, causing the client to not accept your work, then you will not be paid for that time.
For example:
Break your logs down (30 min - 1 hour)
There is no need to write every last fact.
If you’re working very closely with the client, and you have their trust, then less logs is okay.
A general rule is to have a new log entry for every 30 mins to 1 hour.
Cut off times
Logs must be completed every day.
Before 10pm every night.
Before 9pm on paydays.
Everything that moves the project foward is billable
A general rule is that anything that moves a project forward: thinking, fixing, reading, understanding—is billable.