Project Management for Beginners
There are few things I'm obsessed with.
But the biggest one is planning.
It's the type A, enneagram 6, strategic mind in me, I guess?
My college job at Office Max fueled it and my experience working on multi-6 figure architecture jobs in the corporate world strengthened it.
I also see it as something many online business owners overlook.
Especially if you're more of a creative than a strategist.
What is project management?
In technical terms — Project management is the application of processes, methods, skills, knowledge, and experience to achieve specific project objectives. [1]
The objectives include things like timelines, budget, end result, etc.
All projects have a beginning and an end. No matter what industry you're in.
As an online business owner, your projects could include:
» Launching a new offer or product
» Building a website or funnel
» Hosting an event (virtual or in-person)
» And even completing client work
Why is project management important for your business?
Without even realizing it, you're implementing many of the things we'll talk about in this blog.
If you're working 1:1 with clients, you probably have a specific process or system that you follow to complete that work (project).
But here's the tea, if you're someone who is JUST focusing on the planning portion of your business or JUST focusing on the executing, you may find yourself falling behind.
You may even be sabotaging your own success — again, without realizing it.
By incorporating all phases of a project, you'll be able to have more control in your business and see better results.
The 5 Phases of Project Management
Let's say you're a business coach launching a new group program. Here are the 5 phases of project management you'll follow during this process.
Phase 1: Conception and Initiation
The main goal: Make sure the project meets the needs of your business and also feels aligned with the vision/goals you've created.
What you'll do: Determine what is needed for you to move forward with this project. This includes things like expectations, requirements, and deliverables.
What this looks like for you: Mapping out a brief description of the program, how many people you want inside, and brainstorming potential timelines or strategies.
Phase 2: Planning
The main goal: Determine what exactly is needed to meet the goals and complete the project.
What you'll do: Take a deep dive into laying out specific timelines, requirements, tasks, and actions.
What this looks like for you: Choosing your launch dates, mapping out when you need your material created, what content you'll have and when you'll be posting, etc.
Phase 3: Execution
The main goal: Follow through on your plans. If you're someone who struggles with overthinking or overanalyzing, this is the phase you can often get stuck on.
What you'll do: Create any assets needed to complete the project, keep track of your work, and execute the plan.
What this looks like for you: This would be your "launch period". You'll be posting the content you create, hosting any launch events, having conversations with potential leads, and actually launching your new offer.
Phase 4: Performance Monitoring
The main goal: Ensure progress and improvement. Another phase that is often overlooked, especially in the beginning stages of business.
What you'll do: Track the progress made, record any bumps that occur, and make sure your efforts are matching your goals.
What this looks like for you: Tracking your analytics, assessing your conversions rates, and tracking the time you spend. By gathering this data, you'll be able to use it to help make future launches even better.
Phase 5: Project Close
The main goal: Ensure completion of your project.
What you'll do: This depends on what the actual project is. It could include sending any last-minute deliverables, terminating the project, signing contracts, etc.
What this looks like for you: This is where you'll celebrate your launch and move into your post-launch phase.
You'll want to make sure all your performance is recorded and organized, and make note of anything you'd like to change or tweak for future launches.
Project Management for Multi-Passionates
I hope you found this helpful! Project management is one of those things that seems overwhelming but in reality, it just helps you follow through on your goals.
Now that you know the different phases of project management, it's time to apply that knowledge!
Not sure exactly where to start? Head to the template shop where you'll find 50+ done-for-you templates for every area of business.
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References:
[1] https://www.apm.org.uk/resources/what-is-project-management/
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