Need help organizing my business/managing workflow.
I posted something about this some time back on another group but lost track of the people who said they could help (they didn't really follow up).
I've started a website design company in my spare time, and I focus on the Squarespace platform (my niche market). It has done better than I ever expected and have been swamped with work (on top of a full time day job). To juggle two businesses (which I want to do for a while) I need to have a streamlined and friction free process.
I'm looking for someone who could "coach" me or somebody I could contract with who will develop the workflow and project management for each client. I have a VA and use Basecamp, Highrise, Google Docs, and Freshbooks (for invoicing) so I think all the pieces are on the table, I just need someone who can help me put them together and increase efficiency.
Would there be anyone in this Group who could help? I would be willing to work on a contract basis, and possibly on retainer (for ongoing project management). I would also consider working in-trade (you can view my somewhat outdated portfolio here: www.ambitDesign.com - the cobbler's children go shoeless.. that is, I really need to update my portfolio).
I'm looking for someone who understands a good workflow for online business and web development, and someone who has a good track record in this area.
one more thing, I subscribe to the "Natural Planning Model" for project planning so I must tell you that I imagine success for this project as this:
Having a written plan which is easy to follow and has defined steps. It will take the project from initial contact through to completion. The plan will incorporate automated systems and software where practical and defined tasks for every relevant person on the project (i.e. the VA, designers, etc.).
Hope this helps, and I really hope to hear from some of you soon! :)
Nate
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rob Orr on -
Nathan - you and I are in the same boat. I'm looking (and have been) to do something very similar. I've just not found anyone to work with yet.
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Permalink Reply by nathan miller on -
Rob, Let me know if you find anyone, and I'll be sure to do the same.
It shouldn't be so difficult to find a person who's good with process management and workflow stuff.. but I just can't seem to find anyone. I had a guy write me back some time back (on 48Days.net) but when I replied with follow up questions they disappeared.
Here's hoping we can find somebody good and improve our processes! :)Nate
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Permalink Reply by Dallon Christensen on -
Nathan, I'm the guy who "disappeared" from your radar. Apologies for that. Not long after we wrote back and forth, my full-time job turned into a 70 hour a week grind for several weeks, and I dropped off the map for a while.
For both Rob and you, are you looking for ways to integrate the tools you have into a more clearly-defined workflow? From what I'm reading, Nathan, you have a lot of great IT tools and just need help organizing how you're operating to become more productive and not have to spend so much time working IN your business. Is this a correct assumption?
Although my background is not in web design, I might have some ideas to help you streamline your workflow. A lot of what I have done in my full-time work has involved using IT to reduce manual work, so there may be some overlap in that area. Would you be willing to chat via Skype or a regular phone call for 30-45 minutes? At the very least, I may be able to find someone with the skill set you're looking for.
Again, sorry for not responding when things got crazy. That job is definitely one reason I want to be self-employed at some point in the future!
Dallon
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Permalink Reply by nathan miller on
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Dallon,
I sure would be up for a Skype chat. Rob maybe you would like to join too? :)
Would you two have some time this week? I'm on eastern time and would be available between 7-9pm.
Nate
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Permalink Reply by Dallon Christensen on
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I'm on Central time, and 7-9 ET/6-8 CT works for me as long as I have enough notice. We put my two boys to bed between 7:30 and 8, but I can work around that. Rob, please feel free to chime in with a time that works for you.
Dallon
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Permalink Reply by nathan miller on
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Dallon,
I've got three kids and like to be available for bed time rituals too. :)
If this isn't too short a notice (sorry I didn't get back to you until now), I'd like to chat at 7pm EST (6pm CST) but limit things to 30 minutes or less? Would that work for you?
If so, send me a PM (or whatever this system calls it) with your skype, or phone number.
nate
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