Project Management: Rules to Follow

Hello Everyone,

My name is Jeremy and I work with New Web Projects (NWP). I have taken on the role of Project Coordinator, and I am discovering some key steps necessary to enhance performance. My ultimate goal is to satisfy the needs of every customer. This will be a two part blog on Project Management.

-Have a Plan: It is vital to prepare a plan before approaching the client. Making a mental or written list of important information you need to gather from the client is essential. For example: What does the company do? What is the company looking to achieve? What funds do they have available for the project? Is there a specific time line in mind? Would the client find it beneficial to add a contact list to the site?

-Be Flexible: If you have had any project management experience in the past, you know that plans can change. The client may have new ideas as they see the project coming together. In order to best serve the client, you must be flexible.

-Keep It Simple: Have you ever gone to a website that was a little too complicated to navigate? You want to avoid such a scenario when creating the finalized project. Simplicity also helps when managing the team that will execute the project. You need to keep it simple so the guy on the front line can understand it and explain it with ease.

-Clear Instructions: This goes back to keeping it simple. Your team is essential to the successful completion of any project. They must understand what you need from them. Clear, concise instructions on what your client needs will help your team deliver a better product.

-Thinking It Through: Have you ever heard the expression, “Measure twice, cut once”? The same idea can be applied to project management. Go over everything, practice, rehearse and think it through. Doing this with your team helps get the kinks out more quickly and efficiently.

-Reserves: Always have reserves in place. Good project managers are able to work with the budget allowed for the project. However, they also know that sometimes flexibility can add time to most projects. Sometimes this can be good, and sometimes not so good. Having reserves is just a small security blanket that you hope you never have to use.

These tips are essential to effective project management. I am experiencing how helpful these tips are more everyday. I look forward to seeing you again for part 2 of this blog.