Beasting Multiple Projects

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2017-08-28

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Whew! It's been a minute! Between managing events, my 9-5 as a project manager, house hunting, PM training, and keeping up with my business-- ADOOR, I have failed to blog as often as I would like. And, needless to say-- this has spurred the creation of this blog. I am not the only one juggling out here and I know this. Whether it's school, work, and kids--we all have to make those tough decisions to decide what comes first and how to get it all done. I actually had to sit here and ask myself what was most important to me and the answer that I tried to repeatedly overlook is that it all was. Unfortunately, I realized that I was having difficulty putting enough effort in every bucket. And the hardest part was figuring out why.

1. Set a Realistic Schedule

 I cannot stress this hard enough. Most importantly, when taking on a new project, assess how much time and effort will be needed to fulfill this project. Take some time and realistically decide how and when you will be able to fit this into your schedule. Don't look at how others are working things out because their time and schedule has nothing to do with you.  Having a genuine heart to heart with yourself about what you can bring to the table is a must and can be an extremely eye-opening yet rewarding experience. Often, this initial internal conversation may bring to light disappointing news…maybe you just don’t have the time right now to make your project goals work. Or, maybe you will have to shift some things around. Regardless, proper assessment is key. They work to keep you on your toes and they help make you accountable and that is ALWAYS positive reinforcement. 

2. Own up to Conventional Business Practices

 I hear a lot of great business ideas and ventures. Things that after their pitch, I am certain will work. But what I notice is that a lot of these great ideas succumb or fail not because the idea is not great, but because there is no true business approach in place. A lot of people negate those typical business practices-- a business plan, business structuring, schedule of events, forcasting, etc. because they don't see the need for them. As an entrepreneur, you grow to realize the importance and necessity of these practices and must not allow yourself to be deterred or intimidated by them. Yes, some can seem daunting and time consuming. Understand however, that no business plan is identical to the next. Any type of example that you need can be found with a Google search. As a new business owner, I would suggest a more thorough research, however- you can surprisingly get a pretty good foundation from Google. Also, pay attention to your surroundings. I tend to learn much from the people that I invest time into, and this leads us into Topic #3…

3. Pick your Team Wisely

 Owning up to your friends about your objectives and goals can be one of the most beneficial tactics for any new venture that you take on. Why? Accountability! My best friend has no problem asking me about my next blog-- "What will it be about", When will it be done"?. When your friends and close associates know the ideas and goals that you are harboring, they will push you like no other.  You have literally never seen a squad like mine; my friends think that I am a goddess and can do wrong.  Their high expectations are one of the most motivational forces that there is. So many of my big decisions were founded with strong support and diligent guidance from my family and friends who drive me in everything that I do. Understand the difference between someone telling you that you can do it and someone actually sitting down with you and giving their feedback and advice on how to do it; and, this is what I have come to depend on from them. When you are getting that type of support, you simply cannot quit.

4.  Learn the Importance of Marketing

 People have a hard time understanding that without a concrete brick and mortar store, marketing is still essential for whatever type of business that you become involved in. Understand that everyone is an entrepreneur; this realization alone will take you far. You should always be creating a good image for yourself-- your own individual brand that any new venture or business can ride on the back of and build onto the marketing plan that is already in place for yourself. Strive to make everything co-align. Keep in mind that it is much easier to pitch new plans and business ideas when your personal image has already been groomed and well thought out. I know you are thinking-- "Well thought out"? Was that the best expression? I know that may sound like a bad choice of words but actually, the choice of words WAS well thought out. You should always be thinking of the impression that you give off. Within the past 8 years that I have been pretty active on Facebook and lately Instagram, I have created a good number of relationships directly from social media marketing. Do you know what that means? The first impression that these people were able to garner from me was what I decided to allow them to see via my social media channels. You have a choice! People know that others overcome obstacles, are enduring personal struggles and fights all the time and I do believe that it is somewhat refreshing (for lack of a better word) when someone is able to acknowledge and confess this. However, learning to use your negatives for the better is key. Fueling your endeavors with a progressive take on a negative experience will humble and ground you while also fostering an environment for success.   

5. Limit Futile Activities

Everybody knows that 24 hours is not a lot of time. Not when you consider your job(s), cooking, housework, kids, friends, get togethers, and of course the minimum 3 hours needed for social media activities, LOL. But, do you know how much longer those 24 hours would seem if you limited procrastination and committed to seriously getting down to business for the majority of the day? Please do not get me wrong--  I am not always able to do this and it is a constant internal battle with myself about being more productive (I suppose that my always analyzing “Virgo” mind could be the blame for this).  So, when I say limit futile activities, understand that I know that you might have to go to your 9-5, but after grabbing some food on your lunch break, maybe start a blog, do some research on your competitors, catch up on some news—whatever it is that you do-- make your free time count for something. When I go home after work, this is generally the crucial time of the day that I have to ask myself-- what do I do now? Needless to say, many options come to mind. Be aware of what you invest time in and try to make everything that you do meaningful in some way. For instance, some opinions may differ—but I think that watching TV is fine. However, pay attention to the type of TV that you are watching. Is it filled with nothing but reality shows? I know that everyone has those occasional vices for “bad entertainment”, but try to limit them. For every 30 minutes of a reality show, try to watch another that you may learn something from. After all, if you insist on watching TV, why not watch something that can behoove you? You only have 24 hours…try to make as many of them count.

 “Beasting” multiple projects at once can only be successfully harnessed with serious intent and constant calculations. The above tips are only the start for success but will serve as a decent grounding for your endeavors.

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