Here's how you can excel as a freelance Facility Manager by mastering essential skills.

and the MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL - PEOPLES MANAGEMENT - both employees and more so CLIENTS. People are the cornerstone of any and all successful ventures....

Embrace technology to enhance your facility management capabilities. Use Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software to manage assets, track maintenance, and optimise resource allocation. Implement energy management systems to monitor and reduce energy consumption. Technology can streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Consider incorporating sustainability into your strategic plans. Proposing energy-efficient upgrades and waste reduction initiatives can help clients achieve their sustainability goals while reducing operational costs. This forward-thinking approach can differentiate you from other facility managers and showcase your commitment to both environmental responsibility and economic efficiency.

• Understand your goals Consider how your facility can support your goals and if you have the resources to make changes. • Assess your situation Use tools like SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. • Set goals and objectives Define what you want to achieve, such as improving energy efficiency, enhancing safety, or reducing maintenance costs. • Develop strategies and actions Create a detailed plan with timelines, responsibilities, and all the steps needed to achieve your goals. • Monitor and evaluate Track the impact of your changes and adjust as needed to stay on track

• Be concise: Keep your writing short and to the point, and avoid long sentences and big words. • Organize your information: Make it easy for your audience to absorb by organizing your information. • Be transparent: Be clear about timelines, costs, and any potential challenges. • Actively listen: Show the other person that you're listening to them and understanding. • Establish clear channels: Make sure you have clear communication channels with your clients. • Provide regular updates: Keep your clients updated on the progress of your projects.

Additionally, mastering financial forecasting and planning is crucial. By predicting future expenses and aligning them with the client's financial goals, you can proactively manage resources and avoid unexpected costs. Implementing cost-tracking tools and regularly reviewing financial performance can uncover inefficiencies and areas for improvement. This proactive financial management approach will enhance your credibility and reassure clients that their investments are being managed wisely.

• Understand the main financial statements, such as the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. •Use your financial knowledge to make informed decisions that benefit your customers and organization. •Read industry publications, newsletters, reports, or blogs to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in finance. • Identify your strengths, such as tax planning, financial analysis, or investment strategies, and focus your learning and development efforts in that area. •Create a plan to pay off debt efficiently, prioritizing high-interest debts. •Track your monthly and yearly averages to identify areas where you can cut expenses.

• Review documentation: Look through project plans, files, and other related documents • Brainstorm: Come up with ideas for identifying risks • Interview: Speak with people who may be able to provide information about risks • Conduct a SWOT analysis: Use a SWOT analysis to help identify risks • Perform a root cause analysis: Analyze the root causes of potential risks • Get employee feedback: Ask employees for their input on potential risks • Conduct an assumption analysis: Analyze any assumptions that may be contributing to risks • Use a risk register: Keep a record of identified risks

consider obtaining certifications in new technologies or sustainable practices to enhance your skill set. Engage in webinars and industry conferences to gain fresh insights and innovative ideas. This commitment not only demonstrates your dedication to excellence but also assures clients that you are proactive in implementing the most current and effective facility management strategies.