Hi everyone,
Here’s a project scoping checklist you can use. This has literally been 10+ years in the making. I created a checklist of questions for our initial meeting with clients to scope out a new project. I can’t tell you how helpful it is. You can download it here, my treat!
The intent is to make sure we fully understand not just the objectives, but the essential issues relevant for a good project. This checklist ensures we don’t miss anything big. This tool increases the probability of a successful project.
I built this after reading The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right. This fascinating book illustrates that even though we may know what to ask, having a list ensures it will get asked.
But I didn’t stop there. Although I had a list of questions on my bulletin board for years. I added to it when reading several consulting books, including Flawless Consulting and The Trusted Advisor (this last one is required reading for all at True North). Finally, I hunted down other resources such as Power Questions and A More Beautify Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas. The result is this checklist.
It’s not just a checklist; it is a process. It presents a flow of questions that, if all works well, leaves us with a greater understanding of what needs to be accomplished, but it also leaves the client feeling very confident that we understand.
Although I built this with market research in mind (client-side or supplier side), I believe it will be helpful for marketing or business consulting projects too.
So, in the spirit of making us all better researchers, feel free to download and use it.
And since I have a stack of laminated copies on my desk, feel free to email Yara, and she will send you a laminated version. I keep this at my desk, and before a meeting, I mark key questions I want to ask with a dry erase pen. You can reach Yara at:
Thanks, and I hope it helps.
Dave
