Description

I was recently asked how I would recommend a new program be implemented in a business. My answer was to focus on project management before implementation. 

Most people do not think about it in those terms. Many of us get so excited about the end result that we forget about all of the development and planning that goes into a successful launch. In today’s episode, I try to hit the high points of project management. The goal is to share what I think about when it comes to creating a new business offering such that between my thoughts and your thoughts, you have a complete pathway. 

• --Remember that you need to have someone manage the project because that's what this is, a project. 
• --You need to have your endpoint in mind and work backward in your project.  Where do you want to be, then create the path on how to get there. 
• --Each internal team needs to understand and own their parts to the project.
• -- You need to get customer feedback so you know you are developing something they want. 
• --You need to have a risk mitigation strategy. 
• --You may need to have multiple phases of the project, especially if it is a brand new arm of the business that is going to be equal in size to your current business. 
• --You need to establish targets, goals, and timelines for each phase, and actions that should be taken if the targets are hit or missed. 

Once all of this work, and more, is completed, then you can implement it. Once you do go live, the challenge in phase 1 is for each team to track every customer that goes through your new program pathway. It’s an hourly focus for each team to ensure customers don’t get stuck at any point in the new process, identify gaps if they exist and get them fixed ASAP, and create a smooth process for the customer. 

I hope Your May Recovery Plans are going well. If you are thinking about launching and implementing a new program, think about these pieces. Remember, while I know it’s a lot more fun to think about a launch or implementation and the success you expect to go with it, focus on project management before implementation.