When you’re starting a new company, there’s an endless list of things you need to do and an endless list of skills you need to pick up and perfect. If you have a background or experience in project management, you’re already one step ahead, but there are a few skills you will need to hone in on. If you’ve never been a project manager however, then this is definitely a skill you will have to pick up.
It’s essential that you have project management skills as the owner of a company, and project management is not as simple as checking off boxes and ordering people about while finding new ways to boast about your PMP certification.
In fact, being a successful project manager requires a huge set of abilities that vary by industry. As a business owner you will require a range of skills. Typically, start-ups are founded with a very small number of employees, if any. This means you’ll be undertaking the majority of tasks yourself. This is an enormous responsibility and so you’ll need to be well prepared.
Regardless of the nature of your venture, there are certain skills that you’ll need to master in order to manage your business effectively. The ability to professionally manage projects of any size is imperative for any small business owner. This means having the ability to recognise a specific goal or outcome, and managing your resources in a way that guarantees this is achieved on schedule.
Projects come in many sizes when you’re starting out, they might include developing and launching a website, or developing an efficient customer service scheme. Whatever the project, you will need to be able to time, budget and staff to ensure that you attain your goals in a timely fashion.
Key things to remember:
- Be positive
- Be a team player
- Know your goals
- Be realistic
- Respect your staff
You should always listen to your team and staff. As a project manager, you need to learn all about your team’s strengths and weaknesses so that you can manage their work and time effectively. It’s also a great idea to try and be a part of the team as best you can. Treat your team with respect, be nice to them and be honest with them. If you respect them, they will respect you in turn and your team will be a lot more productive.
If you want to hone your skills fully, it might a good idea to take a project management course. There are so many fantastic project management courses such that will help you in your project management skills.
If you’re an employer, leadership will be a key skill. You must be able to inspire and stimulate your staff in order to get the most from them. The success of your company could depend on the morale and productivity of your workforce.
Leadership and project management is not about dictating. You must try and listen to and take on board all of the suggestions of your staff. Start-up businesses offer a unique environment for employees as the working style is often a lot more collaborative than at a larger corporate company.
You should try and use this to your advantage with your staff. By letting them get involved as much as possible they will fully get behind the company and want to grow with you.
About the Author
Bethany is a freelance writer and student living in London. Stay in touch with her @BethanyPembrook.
