"Communication can make or break a project. Here's how to make sure all the key players are always in the loop. "

I came across this great article that talks about communication and the important role communication plays in project management.  Communication is key to the success of every project. Not only in the planning phase and kickoff meeting, but also throughout the course of the project, and even after the completion of the project.

My daughter recently competed in an oratorical competition titled “How my best brings out the best in others”.  As I watched her list out traits she thought influenced others to be their best and listen to her practice her speech, I thought “What is my best”?   Am I doing my best to bring out the best, the “talent”, in my family, my friends, even my co-workers?  How do my actions influence those I work with?

No one wants their project to fail or go over budget however, this is a common occurrence due, in part, to poor planning at the onset of the project planning process.  Identifying the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How are the first steps to creating a successful Project Team and Project Plan. Taking the time to ensure that you pick the right team, ensure that your team has the appropriate knowledge, providing a clear communication process and timelines will certainly put your project on the right path.

The software industry is still a relatively “young” industry- think car manufacturing, steel manufacturing etc. begun more than a hundred years ago versus software starting in the 50’s but only becoming widespread in the late 80’s/early 90's. There is also the creative side of software design that enters the picture. Because of this there are many temptations to have a homegrown system built just for your organization.

So, you’re planning a fundraiser for your nonprofit.

The cause? Check. The enthusiasm? Check. The planning……….

The key to a successful nonprofit fundraiser: proper planning. If you're not familiar with planning events, you might need some help deciding where or how to start. I would say no matter how big or small the event you should start planning AT LEAST 6 months, if not a year out from the event. 

Over the holidays I volunteered at my daughters’ school.  While there I had the pleasure of speaking to one of the teachers.  During our conversation we talked about the many things happening in our local schools and here in the county. Out of the various topics we discussed, one hit me very hard.  This teacher told me of the growing number of children who are "food insecure."  A term I had not heard before.  I was aware that our school offered discounted, sometimes free lunches to families who needed help, but was alarmed at the number of children in need in a community that is considered to be thriving.

When implementing new case management software - the best way to start is to take a hard look at employee behavior and identify what needs to change first.

Let me explain. 

Change is hard.  A new system brings a whole set of changes and process tweaks, for example which for some people is sometimes a slow process to adopt.

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As the President of a Case Management Software company I have witnessed very wonderful software implementation projects and many that struggle. 

There are various reasons but in this post I’m going to pinpoint what I think is the most common issue.

The sharing of information has reached a break-neck pace.  There are no constants in how we collect and share information.  Every day, new ways to manage information are developed, found and employed by agencies.  The more sophisticated ones have embraced the latest technologies to make their agency better.  Yet, many agencies cling to a traditional model of case management, using paper as their foundation for collecting data, observing trends and assessing outcomes. 

How important is it that you get paid for the services you deliver - promptly?  What does that mean for how you manage cash flow?  How does a promptly paid invoice help your third party service providers?

Digging deeper - how quickly can you get an invoice out after services have been delivered?