Scope creep has increased by almost 10% in the past 5 years. More people are taking on more work than what is expected.
Scope creep is defined as taking on more work after the project has started. It's when a project, for example, started as delivering a single item but turns into five items.
So, how do you avoid scope creep? How do you stay on budget and reach product launch?
This guide will offer some insight into everything you need to know in order to avoid scope creep and reach product launch without exceeding the deadline.
Have A Contract
Whenever your business takes on a project, there needs to be a defined contract outlining deliverables.
The contract should include deliverables when you plan to have the deliverables ready, and how much it will take to produce the deliverables. These are essential in a contract because they ensure that your work does not exceed what's mentioned in the contract.
A timeline should also be included in the contract. Specifically, having milestones can give you and whoever your working with an idea of what is completed every milestone.
A contract should also include your responsibilities and how you plan to produce the deliverable. This is essential when it comes to avoiding scope creep because if the client asks you to do something outside of your responsibilities you can say no.
Have a Communication Schedule
Another part of avoiding scope creep and reaching product launch is having a communication schedule with your clients.
You can discuss the project weekly or bi-weekly to communicate where the project is at and if you have any questions for the client. A communication schedule is helpful because it helps to avoid confusion.
If you didn't have any communication with the client and you handed over the project, there could be some confusion on what it's expected. It can lead to an unhappy client because they didn't communicate with you their expectations.
Say No
If you do find yourself in a delicate situation where the client wants more from you, then you have to empower yourself. You have to say no.
Say no if the client is expecting more from you or they are extremely unhappy with your work and want it redone. If you did your work as was set out in the contract, then you have nothing to worry about it.
You should feel confident that you did your part of the contract. You don't want a client pushing you around because they want you to do more for free.
Discuss What Happens If the Project Goes Overbudget
If a project is expected to exceed the client's budget, you need to make sure you explain it to your client. It should also be a part of the contract.
You can have a section in the contract that discusses the potential risk that can cause the client to go overbudget. That's why it's important to have a discussion with the client about these potential risks.
You want to make sure there's transparency between you and the client, which can lead to mutual understanding.
If you want to avoid going overbudget, here are some additional tips that can help.
Have An A+ Team
You need an A+ team behind your product launch. You want to make sure that your team members understand the urgency of deadlines and how to communicate.
That's why you need to make sure you have an excellent team set up before you start the project. You want a team that is going to make sure you stay on budget and reach product launch by a deadline.
Have Micro and Macro Goals
Micro goals are weekly, monthly, and yearly goals. These goals are focused on the bigger picture and what the overall purpose of your project is.
Micro goals are day to day goals that help motivate your team to accomplish mini-tasks each day.
You should have micro and macro goals set up for your team so they know what they working towards. These project goals can help them stay focused on things that are daily and monthly.
Always Communicate
Communication is key to any project. You want to makes sure your team and PMP communicates daily on the project at hand.
The more communication there is among a team and project manager, the less confusion there is when they are working on a project.
Know The Project Inside & Out
Lastly, if you want a successful product launch, you need to make sure you prepare for everything involving your project. You should know everything that is required inside and out.
You should not only know the budget you need for the resources, but you should also know the additional resources that you may need. You want a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
Every team member has to be DIY agile and accountable to themselves to make sure the project is successful. They need to make sure they know their role in the project.
When everyone knows their role and what they need to do to create a successful project, it can lead to an effective product launch.
Now You Know How to Avoid Scope Creep
Scope creep happens during projects. The client is unhappy and wants you to do more than what you signed up for. It's a project manager's worst nightmare.
That's why if you follow the guidelines in this article, you can successfully avoid scope creep. You can take control of your project and communicate with your client what to expect to avoid scope creep.
