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Running projects well in a small business

Small firms rarely have a project manager, but every owner runs projects. Ten habits that keep them on track.

A new website, a move to bigger premises, a product launch, a new accounting system: every small business runs projects, usually without anyone called a project manager. The owner or a senior member of staff takes it on alongside the day job. These habits make the difference between projects that land and projects that drift.

Before you start

  1. Write down what done looks like. One or two sentences on the result, so everyone agrees when the project is finished.
  2. Set the limits. The budget, the deadline and what is not included. Most overruns start with work nobody agreed to.
  3. Name one person in charge. Shared ownership often means nobody chases.

While it runs

  1. Break it into small steps with dates, so you can see early if something slips.
  2. Keep one list everyone can see, whether that is a shared spreadsheet, a whiteboard or a simple task app.
  3. Check in briefly and often. A ten-minute weekly catch-up beats a long meeting once a month.
  4. Raise problems early. Make it normal for people to say a task is running late. Bad news gets more expensive the longer it waits.
  5. Protect the day job. Projects fail when the people doing them are also expected to do all their normal work. Plan the cover.

The qualities that matter

The people who run projects well are organised, calm under pressure and good at talking to people, including suppliers and customers. They are honest about problems, focus on results rather than activity, and are willing to make decisions with incomplete information. These are habits more than talents, and most people get better at them with practice.

When it is done

  1. Check it against what done looks like, and close it formally, so it does not linger.
  2. Write down three lessons for next time: what worked, what did not and what you would change.

Larger projects can justify formal training or an experienced project manager. For most small business projects, these ten habits are enough.

This guide is general information, not professional advice. Rules differ between countries, so check what applies where you trade and speak to a qualified adviser.

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