Honestly, I'm not freelancer, but I know a lot of them. However, my startup has a lot of the same elements. I use pretty primitive tools: gCal, gTasks, gDoc for a "ghetto-CRM" & other customer/leads lists, etc.
I don't think it's really a tools issue; it's really a personal discipline one. It's very difficult to keep it all straight, but a lot of it is really just being anal and working habits into your lifestyle.
I'm still trying to perfect my habits, but a big part is discipline - even though it's not as easy as a just changing "tools". However, I'd have to say that having a smartphone changed my life for better this way. I can use my impulsiveness to check my tasks/calendar/docs from anywhere so it's at the front of my mind.
I don't think it's really a tools issue; it's really a personal discipline one. It's very difficult to keep it all straight, but a lot of it is really just being anal and working habits into your lifestyle.
I'm still trying to perfect my habits, but a big part is discipline - even though it's not as easy as a just changing "tools". However, I'd have to say that having a smartphone changed my life for better this way. I can use my impulsiveness to check my tasks/calendar/docs from anywhere so it's at the front of my mind.