How To Be in Demand

These are confusing times with no shortage of anxiety.

Businesses everywhere are looking for people who know how to get things done - efficiently, quickly and professionally.

If you're good at organizing, then my guess is - you'll be in demand. People who have been let go of their employment in the hospitality industry and elsewhere can re-apply as qualified project managers.

But what are the top skills ? Here is what I've always looked for in a project manager, and what I practice myself. Roll up your sleeves, become determined, and let the world know you're ready to "get things done!"  

1. Timeliness: Today, clients cannot wait. You need to respond to all enquiries as quickly as possible. If you take too long to respond, your client will lose confidence in you - and fast.

2. Ask questions: Hurried and stressed-out clients can get easily confused. Always ask for clarification if a client isn't making any sense. Never assume you know what they're talking about (because they probably don't know themselves).

3. Create checklists: At the start of a project, I always send the client a detailed and comprehensive checklist of all the items that will need to be addressed. This goes a long way in keeping people and tasks on track.

4. Be a tech expert: This pandemic has thrown everyone into the virtual world. Many clients have no idea how to handle video-conference software or other new tools popping up all over the web. Be the empathetic ear they're looking for and help them with technology. Be sure you learn as much as you can about all of the popular tools.

5. Be the calm voice: Stress is contagious. The more nervous your clients, the more nervous you can get. But do the exact opposite. Be a calm voice in a sea of insanity. You will be amazed how much clients will appreciate your quiet demeanor and come to depend on you because of it. Never panic or allow a client to throw you off your game.

6. Reach out: Clients are busy. Ridiculously busy. Don't allow long periods of time go by without communication. Provide project updates every week, even if your client doesn't respond - to let them know you're still on top of everything while they take care of other matters.

7. Use the phone: It boggles the mind how many people try to have extended conversations by email. I remind them of something they almost never use for speaking. It's called a phone. I recently solved a complex issue in under 2 minutes on the phone that would have taken a full day to negotiate by email.

8. Learn to say no: Many clients throw things at me out of left field - not listed in our contract and not within our expertise. If you're new to project management and lack confidence, you may be tempted to say yes to everything. Don't. Know your limits and the limits of your organization. Let your client know why things are NOT possible (as much as you inform of them of what is possible). You will actually acquire greater credibility in doing this because clients know you can't do everything.

9. Ideas: Clients are paying us not only to get things done, but also to think. They are constantly looking for new, innovative ideas to make things better and easier. Realize that part of your job is to offer suggestions. They may reject most or all, but they'll appreciate that you're thinking about them and their circumstances.

10. Have fun and don't take any nonsense: Finally, as a busy project manager - there is one thing you must do, and that's to have some fun. Enjoy your work. Play music as you do tedious tasks. Be upbeat. Take breaks. Remember also that while you are serving clients, you are not there to be abused. Never accept rudeness, insults or any type of bad behavior from a client. I will not hesitate to cancel a contract if any client crosses the line. Respect is a mutual affair. Always.

It is predicted that by 2027, employers worldwide will need nearly 100 million individuals in project management roles. It will be the fastest growing position in all sectors, by far, and during this pandemic, it is a critical skill as organizations pivot to a new reality.

Get out there. Get things done.