Let’s chat about something every IT pro or business leader deals with: managing IT projects. Whether upgrading your systems or rolling out new software, a solid approach can save you time, money, and headaches.
Why IT Projects Go Sideways
Here’s the deal: anything you can predict will probably happen. But the real trouble? It’s the stuff you don’t see coming. Surprise issues can throw your whole project off track if you’re not ready for them. That’s why planning, preparing, and leaving room for the unexpected is so critical.
Let me walk you through some simple steps to keep your IT projects running smoothly.
Steps to Plan an IT Project Like a Pro
-
Know What You’re Doing (Seriously) - Define the project’s purpose. What’s the problem you’re solving? What does success look like? Make sure everyone’s on the same page before you begin.
-
Ask People What They Need - Talk to everyone involved—your team, your client, and even end-users. What do they need? What’s their biggest pain point? The more you know upfront, the fewer surprises later.
-
Map Out the Plan - Break the project into bite-sized chunks with clear deadlines and responsibilities. Tools like Asana or Trello can help you stay organized without overcomplicating things.
-
Plan for Stuff to Go Wrong - Think about what could mess things up (spoiler: something always will). Then, come up with backup plans. Example: What’s your Plan B if the software doesn’t install right, or the hardware is delayed?
-
Figure Out Time and Money - Estimate how long each task will take and how much it’ll cost. Be realistic. Then add a little extra time and budget for unexpected hiccups.
-
Give Yourself Breathing Room - Always build in a buffer. If you think a task will take 40 hours, plan for 50. This way, you’re not scrambling if things take longer than expected—and your client will appreciate it if you finish early!
-
Test Before You Go Live - Never skip this step. Run everything in a controlled environment first. It’s much easier to fix issues before they hit the live system.
-
Keep Everyone in the Loop - Regular updates go a long way in building trust. If something’s off-track, let people know early so you can adjust together.
Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
Here’s some real talk: IT projects rarely go perfectly. That’s just the nature of the game. I always tell my team to hope for the best but plan for the worst. When things go better than expected, it’s a nice surprise. And when they don’t, you’re ready to handle it.
One of our new hires recently said, “Why does nothing ever work right?” My response? “Welcome to IT!” Things go sideways more often than not. The key is staying calm, being prepared, and knowing how to adapt.
Wrapping Up
Managing IT projects doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little planning, some backup plans, and a good buffer, you can keep things on track and keep your clients happy.
If you found this helpful, check out our YouTube channel for more tips and insights.