Each project is on a different scale. A precise step-by-step plan helps you get through a long project. What about a small project? Things work a bit differently for these. The time to deliver the final result is short, but the work will be comparatively less too.
This is why the same plan and thinking that you apply to long plans cannot be used here. Follow these tips to ensure that the scale of the project does not affect your productivity.
Recognize The Need To Plan
When taking up a small project, you might think to just wing it due to many reasons. Due to the lack of time, the experience of more significant projects or the project might feel too small for elaborate thinking. However, it is always advised to make a plan.
Without one, things will go out of control sooner or later. Do not underestimate the need to plan; it will ensure a smoother path to completion.
Reverse Engineer The Project
Now that you know that you need a plan understand that you will require a different approach. Smaller projects are easier to reverse engineer. Envision the final product, then take a step back and plot your pathway to reach that last phase.
This will result in getting a detailed step by step guide on all the things needed to be done to complete the work flawlessly. Explain it well to your team, delegate, and get on with the work.
Few To No Milestones
Milestones break a project into smaller tasks, completing which will, in turn, complete the project. It is another planning method that is better for bigger projects. If you still intend on using this, keep it less.
Putting up too many milestones in a small project will end up with simple tasks given more time. This will overall delay the timeline.
Leave Your Mark
Just because it is a smaller project does not mean you should lose your individuality. Your business would be doing things differently from your competitors; ensure that the difference is visible.
Be it the design, the execution, or relation with the client, leave a great impression on the people who hired you. It will encourage them to put your name forward when similar projects come to light. This could also work as your stepping stone to a bigger project in the future.
Technology Is Your Friend
No matter the scope of the project, it always pays to use real-time job costing software. It provides easier data handling and more control over any project.
You can get real-time updates of raw materials, project completion, etc., that help you manage problems better & predict future ones.
Keep A Time Cushion
Always leave room for error. If you are dealing with subcontractors, account for a delay in your plan. This does not mean that your subcontractor will let you down! It just prepares you for any problem which could lead to the project being delayed.
A time cushion will help in keeping everything on schedule. This will leave your client happy, maintaining the client-contractor relationship.
The final tip would be to try and keep it simple. Avoid going overboard with your plan or efforts to please your client. A simple strategy and execution would work out perfectly to complete the task at hand.
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