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Must have Upwork companion?

Excited to add some screenshots of exactly how I leverage UpBuddy to help me manage the relationships of contractors on Upwork.

Not too sure how I ever managed my account before I built this extension. I'm using it for positive reinforcement and also to hold contractors accountable.

Both have had profound effects on the relationships.

https://seller.lpages.co/upbuddy/

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    Hey Travis, nice job! I've been using Upwork extensively for the past few years, and honestly it seems like most of the data in your dashboard is already available in the Upwork dashboard:

    1. How much have I spent this week (in total)
    2. How much is each freelancer costing this week
    3. Where is each freelancer located + time

    Setting a monthly budget is also easy by limiting the hours on each contract. Also I'm worried that sending them questions about 0.17 hours in time tracked could equate to micro-management - I feel there must be an inherent trust between client and freelancer to have a fruitful relationship.

    With that said, I do think there are some areas where Upwork can be improved (mainly during the hiring phase) and there might be potential to build into your tool. Are you planning any additions in that area?

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      Happy to help introduce some hiring workflow help into the extension however...

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      Further, Upwork gets a lot of crap and a lot of it is deserved BUT that is where UpBuddy I think can help with this. Or...that is the need or problem I'm trying to solve, at least. It's helping me be way more productive, stay on budget, etc for sure. I scratched my own itch with UpBuddy and time will tell if this back scratcher has any legs.

    3. 1

      Ouch, I disagree on all aspects of this, but that is why the world is great. Different opinions matter.

      All the information I seek (or you seek) on a regular basis is buried inside the Upwork reporting. When I'm on a different tab (banking for example) and want to forecast cash flow or I'm talking to one developer about a project that may impact overall budget and the ability to hire another developer...I want those data points at my fingertips near instantly. I don't want to have to toggle over to another tab, log in, search for my reports, etc etc.

      The example I show on the homepage about me questioning that contractor wasn't micro-managing. It was an example of either a mistake on his part or an unscrupulous contractor slipping in some time he didn't actually work. It was a small enough amount such that I wouldn't have caught it.

      May seem a little harsh or micro managing on the surface, but I've spent over $100K on Upwork over the last 4-5 years and I've seen every kind of contractor on the platform.

      UpBuddy keeps them honest and I'd rather call them out early and not waste my time or get stuck with someone I can't easily let go.

      1. 1

        I'm sorry if my message came off as too forward, I just figured I'd share my two cents :) It's great that you're scratching your own itch - good luck with the project!

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