How To Guide - 3 Simple Steps to a Successful Project.
Who hasn't wanted to create something new in their micro business, only to see it fall over or the can getting kicked down the road for too long? When it's just you or the every day of business gets in the way, it can be really difficult to get the next project off the ground.
What do I mean by project? In simple terms it's about what really matters for the future of your business.
If something is easy to do with a big impact on the business, then you make it a task or priority on your 'to do' list.
If something is going to have a big impact on your business but is less easy or will take up some time, then name it a project.
When you make something a 'project' and not a 'task' that actually way too big and gets avoided or repeatedly dropped off your weekly tasks, then you can start to plan it properly and give it the attention it deserves.
Better still - a project is often something that will make your business move forward and make the difference you're looking for.
Here are 5 simple steps that you don't want to miss if you want your project to be successful. Better still, I have also included a downloadable 'Project Planner' that will keep you on track and help avoid any trip ups.
Name & details - there's nothing like naming your project to bring it into reality and make it a 'proper thing' in your business. Something descriptive is great but you can add humour or motivation in too. Think 'Project Content 2027' or 'Prject Brand New Life' for some extra drama. THEN, it's important to give the project some detail including when you want to get it done by. Be realistic! This helps 'ground' your plans and avoids vagueness. For example, if your project is about making your content different in the next year, then add some specifics like you want to get onto TikTok or you want to master Insta Reels etc.
Objectives - these are the smart goals of your project and you need to get specific. What exactly will this project unleash for your business - exactly what is the impact? For example you might include the way it will help the bottom line, or access new types of customers or promote a new service or attract repeat visitors etc.
Who will help - no project (or very rarely) can be achieved alone. We all need, at the very least, a sounding board or someone with feedback. If your project will need some tech expertise or perhaps some teaching of new skills, then researching and identifying who will help at the outset avoids project grinding to a halt when you inevitably get stuck.
Progress - the tricky bit about staying on time and on target. It's a good idea to remain realistic (ask those that will be helping about what their thoughts are that) and to add in some milestones. If nothing else then there's some dopamine reward for reaching them. This also helps in the preparation phase. It can be easy to dive into the nitty gritty too early or rush to the finish line without enough testing. Set out clear research phases, prototyping or testing phases and perhaps even a soft launch.
Risk management - there will be bumps in the road and potential challenges of course, so it's really helpful to try to predict them at the outset. For example a big question is what will happen to your business if you don't do this project? By listing the things that might be a challenge, including you losing interest or confidence, you can also plan in what will help you out of the challenge. For example, if you think you will run out of time, who will help. Or if you think you will lose confidence, who will offer you a boost?
Below is a super simple project planner to help you through and don't forget our 'Work on it Wednesday' thread in the chat Groups where you can get some moral support.
Comments