Sometimes, despite your best efforts and intentions, projects run off the rails. Often, it’s client projects that get off track, but sometimes your own work can get sidetracked as well.
Whether it’s client projects or your own, these techniques can help you restore balance to the Force that is your web-writing business.
That’s what Wealthy Web Writer’s Managing Editor, Heather Robson, told a group of Wealthy Web Writer members. You can review the entire webinar HERE.
Whatever the reason the project isn’t on track, the first rule of coping is, don’t beat yourself up over it. That’s not productive, and won’t help you regain control. Instead, focus on what you can do to get it back on track and on schedule.
Knowing the common reasons projects run amok, and being able to recognize them sooner rather than later, can help you get back in the groove more quickly. Common culprits include:
- It’s a new-to-you type of project, and you underestimate the time to completion
- Family or health issues
- A collaborator who doesn’t hold up his end of the work
- Poor communication between you and the client
- Poor time management (aka, procrastination)
Sometimes you get blindsided. Heather told us about one time she got a call from a regular client asking how she was progressing with a project. She was at a complete loss — she didn’t even know she had the job. It turned out that the company employee tasked with notifying her about the assignment hadn’t done so.
It’s easy to recognize when a project is “hideously off track,” Heather acknowledged, but it’s better if you can pick up on the early warning signs.
Early Warning Signs Your Project is Headed Sideways
- Unanswered communication with the client.
- Missed milestones — if you’ve missed two milestones, stop and reassess.