3 Tips To Launch A New Project Successfully
Launching a new project can be an unpredictable adventure (to say the least). So often we learn that despite super preparation, things may not go as envisioned. In my 7 years at Metaverse Mod Squad I have launched many projects, and I have found these 3 tips help ensure launch success:
Tip 1: Meeting with the client
Meet with your client. Discuss their vision for the project – both from the customer’s point of view and their desired tone and results. You want to represent the client in a way that makes them feel comfortable with leaving the brand in your hands. And ask questions!
- What are the hours of operation?
- Is there a specific skill set needed for the project?
- Are there moderation guidelines your team should follow?
- Have they determined what tools your team will use?
- Do they have training material available to your team to learn these tools, or would they like you to prepare this information?
Keep the questions coming until you feel you understand all operational and fundamental elements of the project, the tasks, and the client’s team.
Tip 2: Building The Right Team
The right team makes all the difference for success. At Metaverse, we are lucky to have a vast, talented pool of candidates to choose from. Identify the core traits of your perfect staff member, and interview for that person.
- Do they have the experience you need?
- The passion or interest in the product?
- The availability?
- The stability and structure?
Take your time when selecting your team members; wait until all candidates have been interviewed before on-boarding people. And in your search, don’t forget enthusiasm and natural work ethic – nothing beats a team that truly cares about the work!
Tip 3: Documentation And Organization
Now that you have your team, it’s time to begin project documentation, organization, and schedule trainings. When this stage begins, my computer monitor looks like a sticky notepad threw up all over it. The more structure you build before on-boarding (how to’s, data collection, expectations, etc), the better you will be in the long run.
Have your project guidelines/procedures highly detailed in a way that the project can operate should you be unavailable (plan for vacation time or the unexpected – do the work in advance to create a transparent, operational guide). Build your manuals from the perspective of the staff, with an index or side notes that help articulate viewpoints from a management level, and a client perspective. And remember, procedures should be considered “living,” and subject to change, improvement, etc.
The first few days of a new project can be intense. If you find that you need to change your entire process to better serve the needs of the client and the project, so be it! Take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee/tea/water, and dive back in. You’re showing your dedication to the client’s wishes, your flexibility for the greater objective, and (more importantly) you’re making the client happy! Have trust in the fact that the craziness will eventually be over and success is on the horizon. It won’t be too long before your project will be running like an efficient, well-oiled machine.
Tera Tilden
Project Manager