What's the best way to track time? - Virtual Assistant Forums

Kailu · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

Hello, I am new to this forum and I just wanted to find out if anyone has any recommendations for tracking your time?
I know it might sound like a silly question, but it's easy to track if I am at a clients home office, but when I am working from home, I am wanting a better source and or ideas.
Online timers, regular timers, etc?

Even a blog with suggestions if anyone recommends one?

vainparadise · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

I personally use myHours. Here is an entire thread you can review as well with other options.

Kailu · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

Thank you so much Dawn, I really appreciate the information. Have a productive, successful day!

Tess · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

Hi Kailu

I'm still pretty much of the old school on this one and track my time manually for each client on indidvidual .txt files.

Cardinal Point · #5 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

I also use MyHours. I started using it as I prepared to launch my VA business just so I could get use to it and make it a habit. Thankfully, I did. I signed my first client before I was "officially ready" and had to jump start a project. My first billing went smoothly. I exported the report from MyHours into Excel, edited what I didn't want the client to see (exact time of day worked) and attached as a PDF to my invoice.

Very efficient software which I discovered from this great forum!

Kailu · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2008

I was so grateful this morning for all the time tracking tips, I went to myhours and signed up, and then I also found livetimer.com. It's a free 30 day trail, and then only $5 per month for each user, and right now it's just me. I have been using it for my work this morning, and so far I really like it, it's right up my ally, and when I need to stop, and then go back it just tracks all of the time, and I feel like I will be able to give my clients that I work virtually for, a more accurate time table when billing each month!
BTW, I love this forum, I wish I would have happened upon it back in February when I started with just one client. Kailu

VAofSWFL · #7 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

Is anyone having a problem with MyHours.com? I can't seem to get to their webpage. I've tried all week. I've also sent emails to them and am not getting a response.
Thanks!

Rebecka Melson · #8 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

Originally Posted by VAofSWFL

Is anyone having a problem with MyHours.com? I can't seem to get to their webpage. I've tried all week. I've also sent emails to them and am not getting a response.
Thanks!

I was using it yesterday with no problems.

TracyR · #9 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008

I'm thinking of using My Hours but want to investigate some other options first so, I'll probably take a look at the thread you mentioned, Dawn.

Thanks for awesome information.

Agnes · #10 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008

I use a notebook for keeping track of time, I just scribble on the first name, date and start and end time. Towards the end of my day, I update the info on www.virtualassistantmanager.com, from where I then do my invoices.

StephanieP · #11 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008

I've been using Toodledo to try to get myself used to a tracking my time before I take on clients. I have several tabs set up: Home (cleaning and such), VA business, and MountainMade (JOB tasks). Now I just need a little robot to click the little start/stop button for me. Timetracking doesn't work as well if you keep forgetting to click it

lol

vainparadise · #12 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008

Quote:

Timetracking doesn't work as well if you keep forgetting to click it

This is where I used to have a problem! I now have a PC Alarm clock that I set to remind me. Do a google search because there are many alarms out there that you can download

StephanieP · #13 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008

Oh, cool! I'll have to check some of them out. Thanks

KKissel · #14 (**permalink**) 06-03-2008

I use Standard Time and have for over one year now. It works great and has a module to add to your Palm as well. You can enter expenses as well as track time, and it works with QuickBooks.

Kerans VA · #15 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008

Originally Posted by KKissel

I use Standard Time and have for over one year now. It works great and has a module to add to your Palm as well. You can enter expenses as well as track time, and it works with QuickBooks.

I use MyHours as well, but your info about Standard Time is helpful. As I have a Palm Treo and use QB Pro, something to think about for the future, thanks!