Career Management’s Post

Ever had a kickoff call where you and your client seem to be in different universes? That's a recipe for: - Decreased margins - Inefficiency - Lack of scalability - Multiple do-over calls Here's how to get your clients aligned BEFORE the first call: 1. Pre-work is key: Give clients worksheets and exercises to complete. This primes their thinking and uncovers crucial information you'll need. 2. Asset checklist: Provide a video outlining all assets needed for the project. Have clients gather these BEFORE moving forward. 3. Visualize the process: Break down your 5 or 9-step process. Show clients exactly what will happen when, and what you'll need from them at each stage. 4. Set clear dependencies: Make it crystal clear: Step B won't happen until Step A is complete. By front-loading this preparation, you're not just saving time – you're setting the stage for a smooth, profitable project that delights your client. A well-prepared client is a happy client (and a happy you lol). What's your go-to method for getting clients on the same page? Share below! 👇

Transform client work management with Teamwork.com! Track time, measure profitability, and stay on budget all in one platform. #ClientWork #ProjectManagement #TeamEfficiency #Profitability https://lnkd.in/g-2XdT3G

It shouldn't come to this should it? But it often does! You need strong change control, which is ideally all recorded and within a proven process but more often it's about building trust and then making these scope creeps a 'live' choice for your customer, e.g. "I can stick to plan A within the current budget or I can implement plan B for you but it will cost _______ ...." This usually works but if it doesn't then it may be time to review what this project / customer / stakeholder are really worth?

Managing Client Expectations for Scope: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 ,𝗡𝗼’ I posted about the importance of Scope earlier this week, but that's only half the battle. Even businesses that have a well-defined scope struggle with overservicing, overwork, and low profitability. That's because of the out-of-scope client requests. Saying “no” to a client can be uncomfortable, but sometimes, it’s necessary for the project's good. Here’s how to say it effectively: Focus on Clarity: Explain why the request falls outside the project scope. Offer Alternatives: Show clients you’re still committed to their success by suggesting options within scope. Reframe with Positive Language: Sometimes, “no” sounds better as “let’s look at what’s possible within our current plan.” A well-timed “no” maintains the project’s integrity and can actually strengthen client relationships. What’s your approach to managing out-of-scope requests? #ClientExpectations #ProfessionalServices #ProjectManagement #ScopeControl

Client feedback is a crucial part of delivering project excellence - every time. This year, after every project, we asked clients to describe their overall experience, from concept to final completion, in one word. #healthcaredesignandfitout #clientfeedback

When it comes to business projects, you always need to expect the unexpected. You may often find yourself thinking ‘if only I’d planned for that’. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Ensure you eliminate any potential risks of completely derailing your upcoming project plans with our top five tips here! 👉https://ow.ly/PYb550SkKUh #ProjectManagement #ProjectRisks #ExpenseManagement

You will chase your clients away if you don't start doing this Handling a change request depends on how well you communicate You have to assess how it impacts your original plan Also, how to reject it if it negatively affects the project Rejecting a change request can be dicey if not managed well Especially those last-minute changes, that can scatter everything you've done. How do you handle change requests without hurting your client's feelings? → Scope Impact ↳ Assess whether they align with the initial scope → Timeline Adjustment ↳ Will they extend or compress the timeline? → Resource Allocation ↳ Consider additional resources needed to implement the changes, or reallocate existing ones → Quality & Testing ↳ Changes affect quality assurance. Ensure thorough testing while balancing timely delivery Change request is a double-edged sword, it can either improve or disrupt your project. To help you manage this, I have a gift that can help you handle change requests. Check the comments for this special gift😍 Repost ♻️ to help others save time PS: How do you handle last-minute changes from your clients?

a Plan " B " Creating a #Plan B at work is a smart strategy to ensure you’re prepared for unexpected challenges. Here are some steps to help you develop an effective backup plan ⤵ ✅ #Identify Potential #Risks: Consider what could go wrong in your project or task. This could include resource shortages, technical issues, or changes in project scope. ✅ #Prioritize Risks: Determine which risks are most likely to occur and which would have the biggest impact on your work. Focus on these high-priority risks when creating your Plan B. ✅ #Develop Alternative Solutions: For each high-priority risk, brainstorm possible solutions. Think about different approaches, resources, or strategies you could use if the original plan fails. ✅ #Allocate Resources: Ensure you have the necessary resources available to implement your backup plan. This might include additional team members, extra budget, or alternative tools and technologies. ✅ #Create a Timeline: Establish a clear timeline for when and how you will implement your Plan B. This helps ensure that everyone involved knows what to do and when to do it. ✅ #Communicate the Plan: Share your Plan B with your team and stakeholders. Make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in the backup plan. ✅ #Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your Plan B and make adjustments as needed. This ensures that your backup plan remains relevant and effective as the project progresses.

We asked our Planning team what top tips would you suggest for a successful Planning implementation - In no particular order .. What else would you add? 1. A project team who have time within their diary to devote to the project. 2. Communication is key, keeping all team members up to date of progress and decisions made along the way. 3. Bringing the rest of the team with you on the plan  4. Be clear on where skills and training and process is required in conjunction with system training. 5. A clear project plan with timelines, key milestones roles and responsibilities 6. Regular touch base meetings  7. Documentation and updates as required as a collective team. 8. Ensure product and location hierarchies are robust 9, Ensure data is cleansed  10.Plan adequate time for user acceptance testing in the plan to encourage adoption 11. Plan to go live on a time that is appropriate in the planning cycle and does not clash with other priorities. https://lnkd.in/eCRrH79A

Processes unclear? You’re leaving money on the table. Many businesses: • Lack clear systems for handling clients • Miss deadlines due to disorganized workflows • Fail to track progress The result? Missed opportunities. Lost revenue. Decreased client satisfaction. True success means: • Establishing clear processes for client work • Using project management tools • Tracking every task for on-time completion Remember: Every profitable business has clear, organized processes in place. Your biggest competitor? Disorganization that’s costing you money. Ready to streamline your client workflows? Start with clear systems today.Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ezudHZHs #ClientWorkflows #BusinessProcessManagement #MaximizeRevenue #SmallBusinessOptimization #VirtualExcellence