Submitted by Kathryn Fortin, MCCT
President & Founder, Lead Solutions Architect, www.fortech.net

EdTech and technology project management are similar. Sometimes the biggest issues are reigning in the client and keeping them educated about the process. It’s easier to do so up front to avoid this situation of having to get them back on track if you have set their expectations early. What I mean with expectation setting is:

1. Don’t over promise

  • If you think you will have it done by Friday, tell them next Tuesday.

2. Use the “you only get two” rule

  • I explain to my clients that, you only get two of the three options below.
    Which two are most important to them?

Fast + Cheap = Not the best quality, could result in an inferior outcome, but it will be on time.

Good + Cheap = It’s going to be slow. However, we will do a great job at a great price! You will need to be patient.

Good + Fast = It will cost more, but you will get great results, quickly. We will put other jobs on pause and work overtime to get your project done.

3. Keep them in the loop

  • Make them accountable for what you need to get their project done. All of our projects are a group effort that include the client’s knowledge and expertise about their business and/or their industry.
  • This means that if we don’t get the info we need from them, we can’t get our work done.

We use the SAAS Teamwork as our client and project management system. What I like about it is that:

  1. You can add clients as collaborators, and it won’t cost you another license. They can read and respond to notes and be assigned tasks.
  2. Assigned tasks can be sync’d directly onto your digital calendar (Google, Outlook, Apple, etc.), along with reminders and deadlines.
  3. You can set up automated messages such as “The project is on hold because we have not received the information needed to proceed on your project.”
  4. You can automate the completed date to push if you don’t receive the needed information.
  5. You can copy EVERY email into the project, with a project email address; then all communication is centralized for everyone on the project to see depending on access rights (sensitive information can be set for only certain people to see).

When we onboard a new client, we review how the project can be delayed if they do not get their pieces to us on time. We explain that it is a partnership and accountability goes both ways.

Download our EdTech Project Management Infographic here

If you need help with project process improvement or making effective online training, contact us for a free consultation.