Plan for Every Stage

There are lots of approaches to planning for projects, product development etc.

Planning the launch of a new business requires a number of features and considerations:

• Resources are likely to be limited in terms of personnel, funding, equipment, supply chains etc.

• Be realistic about timescales – it often takes longer than planned and therefore can consume more personnel time, funds etc.

• Don’t over promise – it can kill the business before it starts simply by letting people down. Remember your first customers are innovators and early adopters – they are taking a chance on you.

• Better to be cautious and exceed expectations.

• Build your plan in small increments with a timetable and resources allocated. If a small increment goes wrong it’s easy to fix and adapt.

• Avoid “bet the farm” commitments. You can lose everything without a safety net.

• Keep the language simple and clear. It’s easier for everyone to understand and provides clarity of purpose.

• Recognise critical events – those that have to be completed before things can move on. This can be as simple as delivery of first stock items at the right quality.

There are many excellent project planning software products but beware that learning how to use the planning software might be a critical element in starting the whole project.

Don’t discount simple Gantt charts using a spreadsheet and even hand written whiteboards with sticky coloured tapes and symbols. If it works use it.