Smooth Operator

Designing Digitally

08/24/2010

What is the best way to manage a project? That's like asking " What's your favorite color?" Everyone has their own opinions and styles on the way they like to get things done, so instead of telling you the best way to manage a project, I am going to fill you in on some focal points to consider  while you are overseeing a project.


KNOW THE SCOPE! Without the scope, you have no project, no way of keeping the client happy, and no basis to review your staff's work. Pay attention to little details. The little details are normally always the most important. Getting the project done right the first time will ensure that your client trusts you and your services and will be more likely to work with you again in the future. I would suggest going through the scope with the client as well as your team to make sure that everyone grasps all of the information before any work begins. Don't be hesitant to ask the client questions. It is more important to go through all of the details with the client until you feel comfortable with the scope than it is to portray that you know exactly what the client is expecting and moving forward.


Once the client has expressed their needs clearly, it's time to plan accordingly! When you have a firm grasp on the scope of work, get out your calendar and separate all of the duties into timeframes to determine your deadlines. Remember to always add room for unexpected events to occur.


Keep the project going!
Eventually you might run into a snag with the project, a detail might not have been introduced until after the scope was completed, or there could be a software issue. Either way, it is best to acknowledge the problems right away without hesitation so you can get the project back on track. When the project is on track, your staff members will be at their full potential. Rushing through the scope will create a stressful environment and you will notice your staff  making silly mistakes. Without those mistakes, the project will flow easily from one deadline to the next. This will decrease the time spent by your staff reviewing and fixing those issues as well.


Be Professional!
You are the one who determines what is right from wrong. Pay attention to details and monitor the work completed by your staff to keep consistency and coordination. Try to keep one point of contact between the client and your company. This will help eliminate details being misconstrued within the company. Make sure every email or phone call is thought out in detail before speaking with the client. You want to make sure that you always put your best foot forward and keep a respected professional relationship between the two of you. Be a problem solver, not a problem maker! Always bring forth solutions, keep your head up and have a smile on your face! :)

-- Amanda