The second phase of successful project management includes planning. This is where you figure out what actually needs to happen to get the project done. If you don't take the time to plan, it is likely you won't achieve the scope of the project. As they commonly say, a goal or idea without a plan is only a wish or dream. This is because plans help prepare you to take on the right tasks and resources while also providing your precise direction. In other words, the planning process ensures the goal or idea you want to accomplish is actually doable.
The following are four strategic project-planning tips to know for perfect execution:
Start with an Idea
No plan can get started without an idea or goal. Clearly understanding why, you want to get the project started ensures you include the details required to succeed. A goal without a why can easily lead to creating a plan that directs you the wrong way as you do tasks that don't really align with your overall idea.
For example, suppose you are starting a YouTube channel on a particular topic for an entertainment basis. However, when you first started, you created educational videos just to get the views and do not realize you attracted the wrong type of audience looking for answers you are not experienced enough to provide. If you knew from the start that the primary goal of the YouTube channel was for entertainment purposes only, you likely would have created videos that didn't make you seem like an expert on the subject.
Outline Resources
Once you fully understand what the project requires, it is always essential to create a detailed list of necessary resources to get it done. This includes money, tangible items like a camera from the example above, or team members. Outlining the resources you need from the start ensures you can realistically accomplish it or find ways to grow your resources before it becomes necessary.
Break It Down
Break down the project into milestones with specific deliverables that require their due date. Be sure each of these tasks is similar to speed up and simplify the process. From the example earlier, to start a YouTube channel, it is recommended to film on one day and then edit a different day. This way, you are not going back and forth between completely different tasks.
Delegate the Right Tasks
Finally, another vital step of the planning process is to delegate correctly. This means finding the right person for the job. Even if you are a one-person group, that doesn't mean you can use technology or other thirty-party services to help.
Note these tips and keep them in mind the next time you plan a project. Proper planning can help mitigate risks, save time, and control finances. The more time you take to create a detailed project plan, the more successful you will be in the long run.
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