Tips for Wrapping Up Projects
Bringing a project to a successful conclusion involves three factors - support, documentation, and education.
Support
\"When dealing with Web sites there is a beginning but rarely an end.\"
Coming from experience, customers checking the project just before end date of the project which means an
additional effort at the end and behind.
Use this project checklist:
• spell out what constitutes free and fee-based support in the contract
• leave with the client sufficient documentation of the job you performed
• communicate with the client an malfunctions or problems that may occur
• educate your client as to all the work you do and all the fixes you make
• never sever ties with a client
Document
Of course, documentation is also emtremely important. It outlines al the work you did if there are any problems or
questions in the future. Many companies hire multitudes of consultants at different times to do different things.
Consultants do a job for a client and move on. You want to ensure that your work is well-documented so the client
or the next consultant can continue their business withot having to call you and ask a batterie of detaie questions
to which you can't remember the answers It also reduces the wasted time that would be incurred if you had to
revisit a client site to resolve an issue. Sufficient documentation provides a safe and seamless way to move on to
the next job.
On he other side of the coin, it's ludricous to think that you, the consultant, must give continued support to all
clients over an extensive period of time. It may feel as if the questions and problems never stop. This is when you
must be up front with your clien abaout your services. \"Set them up for what could happen.\" Make clients aware of
what constitutes free support, such as repair of malfunctions, answers to questions, and a certain level of
education.
Educate
Education, though it may be limited, could be the most impotant thing that you give your client. \"Show them how to
plan (e.g.) strategic business practices, don}t just hand them the plan.\" Explain to your clients what you are doing
for them from the get-go.
\"When you do a fix, show your clients wht you did so they can fix it in the future.\" This curbs repeat calls for the
same problem. \"You always want to teach the client\". \"The more you impart that learning, the more they respect
you and are wiling to work with you in the future\".
Eventually, you have to cut your ties. Note, however, that cutting does not mean severing. The size of the client
and the volume of business they give you may be a factor in how, when, and if ou end your business dealings at
all. However, letting a client go gradually is key to nailing down a good reputation and projects for the future.