This is the second post in my digital strategy series for solopreneurs. If you’re still figuring out what you should be working on, start with What Should I Work on Next? A Solopreneur’s Guide to Prioritizing Projects. Then come back when you’re ready to make a plan.
Ok, so you’ve chosen a project. How exciting! I love new project energy...all the possibilities!
And then comes the part where you actually have to figure out how to make it happen… Before diving in, I like to spend a little time getting my thoughts organized. Nothing too elaborate. Just enough to determine where I’m headed, what needs to happen, and whether my ideas fit the time and energy I have available. Ready? Let’s do this!
Start With the End Goal
First, ask yourself why this project matters to you and your business.
What are you hoping to accomplish?
What’s going to be different when it’s done?
And how will you know you’ve accomplished what you set out to do?
You don’t need a complicated goal-setting exercise. Just get specific enough that you have something to work toward.
It’s also helpful to define what done looks like. What needs to be true for you to consider this project complete? Having an answer can keep you from endlessly tweaking something that’s already doing what you need it to do.
Your goal is also something to come back to when new ideas pop up or you’re deciding what to tackle next. Does it move you closer to the outcome you want? If not, maybe it can wait.
Figure Out Your Timeline
I like to plan as far in advance as possible, but that’s not always realistic. Sometimes there’s a deadline; other times, you’re fitting a project in around everything else your business needs.
Start by looking at the time you actually have available.
How many hours a week can you dedicate to this?
Are there other commitments or busy seasons to consider?
Is there a date when this really needs to be finished?
Time isn’t the only consideration, either.
- Will you need to learn something new, purchase a tool, gather information, or wait on someone else before you can move forward?
You might discover that your original timeline needs some adjusting. That’s useful information to have now, before you’ve committed to a deadline that doesn’t fit your reality.
Brain-Dump All the Tasks
This is where I like to get everything out of my head and onto paper.
What needs to happen to take this project from an idea to a finished result?
Jot down everything that comes to mind:
- from the big milestones
- to the little details.
- Include:
- research,
- decisions,
- things you need to learn,
- people you need to contact,
- and anything else that might be involved.
Don’t worry about the order just yet. And don’t get hung up on whether you’ve thought of absolutely everything. You’re creating a starting point.
Once you have your list, look for ways to organize it.
Can you group related tasks together?
Are there things that need to happen before other things can get started?
Are there questions you need answered or resources you need before you can move forward?
For example, if you’re working on a new website, you might group tasks into content, design, technical setup, and testing. You’ll probably need to sort out the content before you can finalize the design, and you’ll want to test everything before you launch.
Breaking a big project into smaller pieces makes it easier to see what needs to happen and where to begin. You can always add to your list as you go. The point is to get enough of a handle on the project that you can start making progress.
Give It Another Gut Check
Now that you have a better idea of what this project involves, take a step back and ask yourself:
Does this actually fit my business, my customers, and the way I work?
Is this solving the problem I actually have, or just the problem I’ve been told I should have?
How do you feel about the project? Are you energized and excited?Or overwhelmed and depleted?
But a project that looks good on paper isn’t necessarily the right project for you.
- Maybe your brain-dump reveals that you’ve taken on more than you intended.
- Maybe there are tasks you can simplify or skip altogether.
- Or maybe you realize you need to approach the whole thing a little differently.
That’s okay! And if you discover that the project itself no longer makes sense, it’s okay to pause and reconsider that, too. Better to make those adjustments now than spend a bunch of time and energy on something that doesn’t quite fit.
Revisit Your Timeline
Now that you’ve mapped out the tasks, take another look at your timeline.
Can you realistically get everything done with the time and resources you have available?
Have you left room for the unexpected, or for the fact that some things will take longer than you think?
If your plan doesn’t fit, something needs to change. You could extend the deadline, break the project into smaller phases, or save a few tasks for later.
You don’t have to do everything at once. A smaller project you can actually complete is often more useful than an ambitious plan that leaves you overwhelmed.
Find a Way to Keep Track
There are so many project management tools out there! You could spend more time choosing one than actually planning your project. It’s important to create a system that fits your workflow and is simple to use.
Personally, I like using a Google Doc or Sheet to keep track of project details, and I still love handwriting my task lists. There’s something satisfying about getting things down on paper and checking them off as I go. I’ve also found that writing helps my brain to process information better.
Overall, it’s best to find something that works for you and helps you keep track of what’s done, what’s next, and what still needs your attention.
And remember, you don’t need to map out every single detail before you begin. Your plan is a starting point, and you’ll learn things along the way that might change it.
Ready, Set, Get to Work!
You’ve got your goal, your list, and a plan. Time to make things happen!
A few things to remember along the way:
- Be kind to yourself. Things might take longer than expected. Plans change. That’s part of the process.
- Take a break when you need one. Go for a walk, make a cup of tea, or step away from the screen for a bit. You don’t have to push through every moment of frustration.
- Go back to your brain-dump. If your thoughts start feeling scattered, revisit your list. You don’t have to keep everything in your head.
- Ask for help. You don’t have to figure out every detail on your own.
And if you discover that your original plan needs adjusting? That’s OK! Most plans do :)
Need a Hand With Your Project?
Sometimes you know what you want to accomplish but need another perspective, help sorting through the options, or someone to work through the technical details with you.
That’s the kind of work I love doing! Whether you need a one-time strategy session or a creative, tech-savvy partner alongside you as you put your ideas into action, I’m available to help.
Ready to get started? Book a time to chat! I’d love to hear from you. I find a phone chat to be the quickest way to determine whether I’m a good fit for your needs or if I know of someone else who could help instead. Also, I was a teenagaer in the ’90s and I still enjoy talking on the phone :) Find a time on my calendar that works for you and let’s get your project in motion >>