DEVELOPING A PROJECT: A SIMPLE AND PRACTICAL GUIDE

Creating a project may seem like a challenging task, but with the right approach, any idea can be turned into reality. In this article, I will explain, in a practical and simple way, how to plan and develop a successful project. If you have a position in a company or are starting a new business, this content is for you!

What is a Project and Why Create One?

A project is a set of planned activities designed to achieve a specific goal. It could be a business idea, a marketing campaign, or even the launch of a digital product. The main objective when creating a project is to have a clear path, defined goals, and well-allocated resources to ensure efficient execution.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Successful Project

1. Define the Project's Objective

The first step in creating a project is to understand why it is being done. Ask yourself: What problem do you want to solve, or what is the need of your audience? Your project needs to have a clear and well-defined objective.

Example: If you're creating a store from scratch, your objective could be "to serve customers with simplicity and authenticity."

Use the SMART method (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) to make your objective more concrete.

2. Create a Detailed Plan

Planning is key to any project. A lack of planning can lead to undesirable surprises, such as missed deadlines and blown budgets. Here are some important points for planning:

- Budget: How much can you invest? Set a clear amount.

- Deadline: When do you want to complete the project? Establish a timeline.

- Resources: What tools, people, or materials are needed? On my YouTube channel, you'll find a detailed video on how to create a strategic plan in practice.

3. Identify and Align Stakeholders

If your project involves other people or a team, it is essential to understand who the stakeholders are. This includes customers, investors, or anyone who will be impacted by the project.

Communicate regularly with all stakeholders and align expectations. With good alignment, the chances of success increase significantly.

4. Develop an Action Timeline

Now that you have the information about the objective and resources, it’s time to create a detailed timeline. Break the project into smaller steps, making it easier to execute and track progress.

Example Timeline:

- Week 1: Market research

- Week 2-3: Content development

- Week 4: Editing and finalization

- Week 5: Launch

5. Execute the Project with Flexibility

The project execution should be closely monitored to ensure everything stays on schedule. However, be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, maintain flexibility to adjust as needed.

6. Track the Results

It’s not enough to just execute the project; you need to monitor and evaluate performance regularly. Use metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to check if you are on the right track. Monitor the weekly results and make adjustments as necessary. This ensures that you're always improving and optimizing.

7. Evaluate and Learn from the Project

After completion, don’t forget to conduct a critical analysis. What worked well? What could be improved for the next project?

Example: If your project involved opening a store, observe how the public received it and identify areas for improvement for future versions.

Benefits of Creating a Well-Structured Project

- Clarity in Actions: By knowing exactly what to do, the likelihood of success increases.

- Less Waste: With planning, you avoid unnecessary spending and use your resources efficiently.

- Increased Credibility: Well-executed projects boost your credibility with your target audience, whether it's the launch of your business or a service.

Conclusion

Creating a project doesn't have to be complicated. With the right steps, you can turn your idea into a successful action plan. Remember that the key to success lies in planning and executing with focus. And don’t forget to evaluate what you’ve learned throughout the process to keep improving!

Kelly Galvão 

Commercial Management Specialist - FGV