Ashley Marron – 10 May 2019
Start-ups are definitely an exciting somewhat trailblazing type of organisation to be involved in or with. But they are definitely not for everyone and not those with a nervous disposition. It may just be me, but I like working with and running start-ups and get particularly invigorated being involved in the first steps of a product launch or a new business venture. It’s amazingly energetic, you own your own multi-faceted role, you often make your own rules and the outcome can be extremely rewarding. Take it and run with it is usually the mentality of a start-up and with the additional responsibility of being CEO you are often trying to work with a small but hugely motivated team who share your enthusiasm for building a great business. You definitely feel like an entrepreneur but undoubtedly have too much to do.
But does project management really have a place in a startup with its structured project management process? Based on my experience I can categorically respond Yes!!
Why? Because start-ups need strategy and clear plans to establish sound business practices, as well as trying to obtain and retain customers. Realistically money is tight and resource is severely limited so it is imperative that everyone is working on the right thing at the right time as effectively as possible. Even in a small start-up communication is key. If a startup embarks on projects without some defined processes, the only thing that will get them success is luck and you can’t really build a successful business on luck…not for the long-term anyway.
I’ve been involved in businesses that have embraced having a structured project management process in place and that has been core to their success. I have always firmly believed in the benefit of mapping a strategy and then developing an operational plan to deliver. Over time I have embraced software and technology to enhance the efficiency of the process. However, don’t even consider using technology to help you without first getting buy-in from your start-up team.
Firstly, get agreement from the team to commit the necessary time and resource to discuss, develop and then implement the creation of a strategic business plan.
Secondly, look at the potential options to use technology to help your team streamline the process. On a personal level if I look back at the last century and the start of my career there was a clear lack of simple to use, cost- effective business productivity tools available to actually help a business define and track a long-term strategy. Fortunately, since then the business world has dramatically altered and the boom of the internet and the expectations of consumers for easy to use solutions available 24 hours every day on all devices as standard has resulted in a multitude of options. Today a start-up would be best with a cost-effective web-based solution to maximise the budget and resources available to them.
Thirdly, put in the hard work and enjoy the roller coaster ride. Hopefully there will be more highs than lows but ultimately your effort should result in a fantastic business with a few exhilarating moments along the way.
Good luck.
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