Striving to provide efficient and effective project support for small business owners and solo professionals is important. However, sometimes, project timelines can take longer than anticipated and clients can get apprehensive and worry about the delay and additional cost.
Let’s take a little detour into why projects sometimes take longer than anticipated, how we can collaborate on overcoming the anxiety it creates, and how we can minimize the apprehension our clients feel because of the extended time.
There are many reasons this can happen but here are four common reasons:
- Scope Creep: Projects can expand in scope over time and not by choice. What starts as a simple task may evolve into something more complex as new ideas or issues emerge, or additional requirements are added. We can prioritize understanding our client needs upfront by managing and communicating the extent of the delay effectively. 👍🏽
- Resource Availability: Sometimes project timelines are affected by resource availability. This could include waiting for feedback, content creation, or approvals from the client or a third party. If possible, we can keep working while we wait to minimize delays and keep projects moving forward. In cases like this communication with clients assures them that we are doing our part while waiting. 🙂
- Unexpected Challenges: Unforeseen challenges, such as technical issues, research complexities, or unexpected design revisions, can impact project timelines. Being skilled at problem-solving and adapting to overcome these hurdles efficiently are skills that will help to minimize any additional time that arise.
- Attention to Detail: Quality takes time! Delivering polished, high-quality work that aligns with our clients’ vision is important. From meticulous graphic design to thorough research. This ensure every detail is considered to meet our clients’ expectations.👏🏽
Navigating project timelines requires clear communication, flexibility, and a proactive approach. A commitment to transparency and follow-up is also important.
If clients have a project in mind or need support with a project, they need to feel confident in reaching out knowing that they are always in the loop. We’re here to streamline their workflow and bring their ideas/projects to life.
Things I Enjoy Doing: Sketching/Drawing
It’s been a while since I put pencil/charcoal to sketch pad. Yeah, I know, what the heck! Sometimes I would just sit with pencil/charcoal and sketch pad as I relax 😌 and poof! Something to sketch comes to mind.
It relaxes me and stimulates the creative side of my brain. Sometimes, while I’m sketching other non-sketching ideas pops into my head, which is really awesome!
These days, not so much. Sometimes I would stare at the wall for a while and nothing. Zilch. Nada. The big O. Maybe I could sketch the big O? That could be something to start with. 🤔 There’s lots to sketch, I know. But I’m looking for something different, fun, and exciting.
I do need to get back to it, though. I could go out and sit in the park like I used to, maybe that would help! I could really get back into relaxing more. No, not rest, relax! A little play on word there. 😁
What are things that you do to relax or that stimulates your creative juices?