Project Management Articles
How To Set Goals That Stick
What do you think about when the word goal comes up in conversation? Do you cringe and snort thinking to yourself "right, goals . . . whatever. What's the point of making them if I won't keep them?" Or, do your eyes light up as you tick off a long list of goals for the New Year that will be impossible to complete?
No matter if you have an optimistic or pessimistic outlook about your small business goals for this New Year, both outlooks have something in common and it is this: Unless you know how to set goals properly, you will fail to complete them. So let's start by defining exactly what a goal is: A goal is something that is meaningful, powerful, and transformative. A goal is something that will change your life, your business, your career, or your family in some meaningful way.
A goal is fierce!
• A goal is clearly defined
• A goal is very specific
• A goal has an action plan and time line for completion
To be an accomplished goal setter, you must become a fearsome time manager by:
• Setting priorities
• Completing tasks on...
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17 "Must Ask" Questions for Planning Successful Projects
Why do some projects proceed without a hitch, yet others flounder? One reason may be the type and quality of the questions people ask at the very start. Below are 17 insightful queries that can expose the uncertain aspects of your project, and thereby help you avoid expensive surprises later on.
1. How Would You Describe Your Project?
Explain as expressively as possible the ultimate, "big picture" vision and purpose of your completed endeavor. How will it look, feel, taste, sound, perform, increase productivity, help your customers, or otherwise benefit human kind?
2. What Are Your Goals and Objectives?
What are you trying to accomplish? List the project goals and objectives in terms that are clear, concise, achievable, and measurable. Example: "Produce a four-hour video training series on self-defense along with a training resource guide and database, to be accessible by college students on the Internet by May 2006."
3. Who Will Benefit From Your Project?
Examples of audiences or beneficiaries include: Clients, customers, customers' customers, local communities, wildlife, students, and specific population segments.
4. Will You Be Creating Any Products?
Examples include: Books, publications, studies, reports, manuals, video, audio,...
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