Effective and Efficient Project Management

Risks are inherent in any size web project, no matter how well prepared you think you are.

Some risks can provide a window of opportunity to avenues not previously addressed, whilst others could adversely affect a business’s relationship with their client if not managed properly.

Focusing on the latter, below are tips for effectively managing a project and client relationship.

1. Set client expectations at the onset of a project

This means addressing possible scenarios known at the time irrespective if this conflicts with the client’s goals. It is better to be open and honest about potential outcomes then to fall below client expectations. Where possible, have another solution/idea in mind that would see the same if not similar outcome achieved

2. What if’s

Openly brainstorming with a client and undertaking collaborative efforts will seek to reveal any ‘what if’ situations, allowing both parties to discuss possible outcomes should the need arise to move forward in a certain direction. This also helps in building a solid relationship and rapport with the client.

3. Pre-project evaluations

Before commencing any project, undertake a brief covering all aspects required to initiate a project. This could include identifying goals/objectives, competitors, marketing and branding initiatives, mandatory and functional requirements

4. Notes

Meeting notes should be taken irrespective if the meeting went for a few minutes or a few hours, verbal or in person. Discussions may be fresh in your mind, but after a few days, weeks or months - being able to accurately recall decisions made, may become a little more difficult. It is also a good idea where possible to provide a summary of the meeting to all attendees so that they too have an opportunity to add any points that you may have left out.

5. Contingency plans

Within any plan, there are risks. Implementing a contingency plan trigger will alleviate the severity of risks before they occur. For example, a set date for a decision to be made which can no longer be met has implications on the project and the resources allocated. Following up prior to the set date on the status of the decision making process, will help identify if a contingency trigger is likely to be implemented.