Promo pros know the importance of effective project management. In any given day, you probably juggle many tasks, from tracking leads to preparing proposals to meeting with clients. Without a solid approach to managing all these moving parts, you risk missed quotas and unhappy clients.
Writer Vaishali Badgujar says there are a few key steps to keep any project on track, whether you’re working on a promo campaign or planning the logistics of your upcoming trip to The PPAI Expo. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight a post she contributed to the Time Doctor blog that explains these steps in more detail.
1. Create a project management plan. Set aside time to plan so you can define the project scope, how it needs to be managed and when it’s due. Badgujar says the plan is like a blueprint for how things will get done. Make it accessible to all stakeholders since it communicates important project information.
2. Define activities. Badgujar suggests creating a list of tasks necessary to complete the project. Then, break down these tasks into more manageable pieces.
3. Analyze dependencies and sequence activities. To keep a project on track, you should identify which tasks depend on other tasks. This can help you prioritize and create the most productive schedule. How do you identify dependent tasks? Badgujar likes to create a network diagram, which involves boxes with each project task and arrows to depict their dependencies.
4. Estimate activity duration and resources. Think about what resources, materials and other people you need to complete each activity. You should account for work capacity to delegate tasks efficiently, Badgujar says. Try looking at data from previous projects to get a baseline for estimating resources and durations.
5. Develop and control schedule. Enter your activities and timelines into a calendar. Then, monitor the task progress and update the schedule. Doing so keeps you current on the project status and makes it easier to follow up with deliverables.
Consider the points above to keep a handle on all your various projects. Start by defining the project scope and activities and then consider which tasks need to be completed first. Finally, keep your calendar updated with all your activities and timelines. By staying organized and proactive in managing your projects, you’ll not only enhance client satisfaction but also contribute to your own success.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Vaishali Badgujar is a content and SEO specialist who contributes to the Time Doctor blog. Time Doctor is a SaaS time-tracking and productivity software.
