Blog Archives

Kind of Service

1/28/2014

We can tell a story that shows whatever we can to to make the event, project better, we will.

Taking time to name a file properly will save time in the long run. In working on documents with a team, why do we add the word “final” to a document name? Are documents ever REALLY final? Sure, a file may be sent to the printer, published or used in a presentation but a document is never done. There can always be added time spent refining, reprinting, tweaking or reposting.

I admit I’ve been guilty of labeling a document version 1 only to find that the rest of the team doesn’t know that version 6 is the publishable document. So I’ve tried, “final,” “Final + date”, or my personal favorite “Final Final” only to look back in a project folder and still not be able to quickly identify the last version released.

So how do I solve the draft-version-final mess? Set up rules, a good nomenclature and then communicate the rules with the team and check that I (and my team) follow the naming rules.

Set up and agree on nomenclature for file and folder names. For example, distinguish between working drafts with V0-00 and final releases with V00.

Yes: “WHC Invite V0-01.doc”and “WHC Invite V01.doc”
No: “WHC Invite Vers1.doc” and “WHC Invite Final Version 1.doc”

Use leading zero in versions (V01-00) and dates (YY-MM-DD) is much better than M-D-YY as file names will wrongly appear in alpha/numerical order.

Being organized always pays off! Finally, no more file names with the word final!

Anita, Reach Partners

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It's Rarely "Just"

1/14/2014

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just: (adverb) merely, only, simply

In an average project the word just often comes up. Just rearrange the schedule to fit the new deadline. Just make a few edits to the layout before it goes to print today. Just put the report in excel.

Often when the word just comes up there is likelihood the task is not as simple as the word implies. Rearranging the schedule may require multiple changes down the line and affect a number of people. A few edits to layout on due date can derail a timeline. A new report in excel likely is not a few keystrokes.

To manage clients’ and my expectations of tasks I think through and call-out the steps needed to complete the task. Even if it is just a simple request, part of being a project manager is in mitigating the steps to complete the tasks, on time and on budget.

Just listen and consider: does the word just come up in requests to you?

Anita, Reach Partners

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Reach Partners' Goals for A new Year

1/7/2014

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“Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal.” Kathleen Kelly, You’ve Got Mail (1998)

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Thanks HaiKu Deck

1/2/2014

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Reach Partners' made it to the featured gallery on Haiku Deck! It's an online and iPad application that allows you to create beautiful presentations (quickly) with lovely images (copy-right-free pics).

Ours is only up for a limited time but you can always check out other beautiful presentations at Haiku Deck.

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