Tackling a Huge Project

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

19 Dec 2007 10:01 PM

Many of us start out our home businesses on a small scale. We might piece things together one customer or client at a time. Others of us might start out with only one or two larger customers or clients who consume the bulk of our time. At some point, many of us have to face the "problem" of growth and evaluate whether or not to take on a huge project or a big new client or customer, and figure out whether our home businesses can handle it or not...

Many of us make the mistakes of either being way too optimistic or being too skeptical. We get so excited at the prospect of a big client or project that we jump in before seeing if we can handle it, or we just assume it is "too big" and don't even think about whether or not we can stretch our capacity to handle such a big project. The first step, then, is to take time to think through whether you really are in a place where your business can handle something big, or if you can get to a place where you are ready.

Take the time to come up with a plan, including an estimated time schedule and budget. Look at things like supplies and materials, additional time required, whether or not you will need to outsource any of the project components, and try to balance out the added revenue with the expenses in terms of labor and equipment. Will your current clients or customers suffer if you take on a big project? Will you have to let anyone or anything go? Don't forget to take into account your family and other personal obligations and pleasures. How much are you willing to give up or adjust in order to take on the huge project?

Also: Are You Putting Pressure on Yourself with Deadlines and Expectations?

First Come, First Serve--Or Other Priorities?

With Home Business, We HAVE to Give Good Customer Service

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