Project Management 101 for Small Business Owners

Your Blueprint for Running Projects Smoothly

Small business owners wear a lot of hats, so staying organized is key. That’s where project management comes in. Whether you’re launching a new product, redesigning your website, or running a seasonal campaign, knowing how to plan, prioritize, and execute can make or break your success.

Why Project Management Matters

Good project management helps you:

• Hit deadlines and stay within budget

• Improve team communication and accountability

• Avoid chaos, confusion, and scope creep

Key Strategies to Get Started

1. Set Clear Goals
Use SMART goals so your team knows exactly what success looks like.

2. Build a Project Timeline
Break the work into phases and assign realistic deadlines. Use simple tools like Asana or Trello to visualize progress.

3. Define Roles
Avoid “too many cooks” by assigning who’s responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed (RACI).

4. Choose the Right Tools
Start small with easy-to-use, low-cost platforms like Trello, ClickUp, or Asana.

5. Communicate Early & Often
Weekly check-ins, simple dashboards, and clear status updates keep everyone aligned—especially stakeholders.

6. Track Progress & Learn
Review what went well, what didn’t, and apply those insights next time.

Simple Methodologies That Work

• Agile/Scrum: Best for evolving or creative projects

• Waterfall: Ideal for fixed-scope or predictable projects

Pick one (or blend them) to fit your business style.

Ready to Run Smoother Projects?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the moving pieces, I can help. I specialize in fractional project management for small businesses, bringing structure, clarity, and momentum to your most important work.

Book a free 30-minute consult to see how I can help you get more done with less stress.