Nail Your Project Implementation in 2024
7 Steps to Become the Architect of Your Year’s Success
As business owners, a new year always presents itself as a time of to reach for the next phase of your business. That can be implementing new initiatives, reaching new goals, or expanding your capacity to deliver to your clients - and it usually involves an annual business plan, right?
Does your business plan also include the tactics to reach those goals?
If your answer is no, keep reading. If it's yes, congratulations you unicorn! You may also want to keep reading though.
As we know, planning for your business goals and reaching them are two entirely different animals. I’m not here to say what the goals should be, but I am an expert in helping you plan to get there and acting on that plan. So, let’s dive into the most crucial steps of achieving those goals. We're talking about the nitty-gritty details that make or break our success. So, buckle up and make 2024 the most epic year for your business.
ASSESSING RESOURCES AND BANDWIDTH
Before diving headfirst into projects, take a close look at your team's strengths and capacities. Check if they've got the time, skills, and tools needed for the tasks at hand. Sometimes, though, your toolbox might need an extra boost. Don't hesitate to scout for outside resources - be it contractors, specialized software, or other tools - to fill in the gaps when our in-house resources fall short. Build a dream team tailored to each goal's needs.
STRATEGIC PLANNING: START FROM THE END
Picture the finish line before the race begins. That's how we'll approach our projects this year. Starting from the end helps us map out our route more accurately and set realistic deadlines.
Imagine: You want to have an automated client onboarding process by the end of the year.
Now, let's work backward. What steps do we need to take just before the launch? It could be final testing and quality checks. But before that? Perhaps building the software or applications that will house the process, those strategies need to be in place before you can go live. Before that stage? Maybe lead journey mapping and researching tools that will work for what you want to build. Keep tracing your steps until you reach the present moment. This approach of starting from our end goal and meticulously unraveling the sequential steps ensures we're not just dreaming but actively plotting the course to make those dreams a reality.
EMPHASIZING INCREMENTAL PROGRESS
Remember, progress isn't always about massive leaps; it's about consistent steps forward. Break down your new initiatives into high-level steps first - the big-picture view. Then, dive deeper into each high-level step, breaking it down further into smaller, actionable tasks. Repeat this process at least three times, creating a three-tiered breakdown of the steps involved in completing each new initiative. Think of it like building a skyscraper; you start with the blueprint, then work on floors, and finally, focus on each room's intricate details. This tiered breakdown ensures you don't overlook any crucial elements and sets you on a clear path towards achieving your goals.
PLANNING TIME GENEROUSLY
Projects seldom unfold exactly as planned. Life happens, and so do unforeseen challenges in the business landscape. Plan with a generous buffer, accounting for unexpected hurdles and ensuring the smooth continuation of ongoing operations. By allotting extra time, we prepare for the unforeseen, ensuring our projects don't disrupt the business's flow.
EQUIPPING THE TEAM FOR SUCCESS
Change is met with both cheerleaders and skeptics. It's vital to allocate time for our team to familiarize themselves with the new processes and technologies. Champions need to refine their expertise, while critics require reassurance and guidance. Only when everyone's comfortable and competent can you ensure the success of your endeavors.
CONTINUOUS EVALUATION AND ADAPTATION
Let's steer clear of the 'set and forget' mentality. Instead, break down our goals into smaller, achievable steps - perhaps quarterly or even weekly. This way, we adapt, grow, and celebrate progress consistently.
RESOURCES FOR GUIDANCE
There are many resources for guiding you in reaching your goals. Look for podcasts, videos, coaches, contractors or vendors with expert knowledge, education programs - the list goes on - and don't be afraid to hire to your weaknesses or knowledge gaps. It's often far less expensive to get help than to have your project stall out or add to the plates of your team that likely are already at capacity.
Remember, successful project planning demands accurate thinking and a proactive approach. As Benjamin Franklin rightly said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." By planning ahead you can ensure this year's initiatives are built on sturdy foundations.
Here's to a year of intentionally and accurately planned projects for resounding success!
Cheers!
Does this sound daunting? No problem, this is one of our specialties! Schedule a meeting with us to see how we can help.
