Have Trouble Tackling -- or Finishing -- Big Projects In Your Resume Writing Business?

Do you have trouble tackling -- or finishing -- big projects in your resume writing business?

Me too.

Check out the strategies offered in this article:
5 Simple Tricks for Tackling That Big Hairy Project You've Been Avoiding

For me, accountability partners are important to helping me finish projects. Whether that's "owing" a project to a resume client (there's nothing like a client deadline to keep you accountable!) or asking someone for help, you don't have to do it alone!

The Importance of Prioritizing Projects

When you own your own resume writing business, there will always be a million and one things you can do with your time. Many of these things could seem important today, but -- in retrospect -- won't seem that important after all. Learning to prioritize projects -- and only spending time on things that will have an impact on either your resume clients or your bottom line -- is a crucial skills.

The Key Question
The key question you should ask yourself is this: "How will this project impact my resume writing busines in six months?"

There are many projects that could seem important today, but really won't have much of an impact on your business in the long run. For example, trying to chase down one particular sale probably isn't going to make a long term impact.

On the other hand, there are projects that won't seem to make much impact now, but could have a profound impact on your resume writing business in the future.

For example, setting up an autoresponder system and a rock solid followup system probably won't pay off in the beginning. It takes a ton of effort and the sales conversions won't justify the time spent right now.

However, you know that in order to get your business to where it needs to be eventually, you need a followup system. In this case, it absolutely makes sense to build this system today.

There are always going to be projects that seem urgent. There are always going to be problems that need to be solved "right now."

The challenge for a great prioritizer is knowing when to put these fires on the back burner and instead focus on opportunity. If you can't do this, it'll be very tough to grow.

Prioritize Leverage Projects
Projects that help you achieve other projects better should be prioritized. These include projects that improve internal systems so you can get more done, educational systems so you can help jobseekers be more effective in their job search, and purchasing new equipment.

These rules of thumb will help you prioritize projects so do what'll really help take your resume writing business to the next level.

Project Management for Resume Writers

Although most resume writers work individually on their work, every once in a while, you get a chance to work collaboratively with other careers industry professionals -- for example, on a book project.

Whenever you kick off a new project, you should do so starting with a "new project meeting." In this meeting you'll lay out the objectives, the methodologies you'll be using, the various roles in the team and last but not least, the ground rules. The ground rules are the operating agreements that keep the project on task as things move forward.

Here are some project management guidelines that can help you make sure you keep your team of careers industry professionals on track.

If Something's Off Course, Let the Group Know
It can be very tempting to try and hide things that aren't going well. It can be especially easy to do so if all the person has to do is not mention it. They're not "lying," they're just neglecting to share something.

This undermines the team. Instead, aim to create a culture where people honestly share mistakes without blame. People should feel comfortable bringing up problems and resolving them as a group.

One Person Per Task
Every task or project should be owned by one person. That person is ultimately responsible for that task being done on time.

This person is free to bring in outside help to help get things done on time. They can even "outsource" aspects of the task to other team members or people outside the team.

However, if mistakes happen or if the task doesn't meet a deadline, that person is still responsible for it.

Ask Before Going Off Course
You should have a game plan for the project as a whole. The game plan should include what IS and what ISN'T included in the project. If someone wants to do something that isn't included in the project, ask first.

This helps prevent time and money from being spent on things that aren't integral to success. Sure, having more things done is great, but make sure they should be done first before spending resources on it.

Have a Clear Chain of Communication
Who is keeping track of the communication? Who manages reporting? Who sets up the meetings? How are disputes handled? Whose permission is necessary to go above budget?

Lines of communication should be clarified before you begin any project.

Setting these ground rules for operating the project before you get started can help you save a lot of time and energy in the long run.