"If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail"

I am sure when Harvey Mackay said this he was not specifically speaking of planning or project control, but it definitely fits the subject matter. In Jean Scheid’s article The Need For Project Control: Why Bother? She says, “The project with no set monitoring or control will fail…the need for project control is essential for project success.”

Any project whether large or small needs some type of control or managing to ensure that the planning phase, transition, and execution phase is on schedule and organized to a “t.” I cannot tell you how many times I have been to an event and the actual event was phenomenal, but it is not until I actually speak with the coordinator that I find out just how “stressful” planning the event was. My initial thoughts are, one: Did you implement project controls? And two: Did you delegate tasks to your team members so you could actually supervise and oversee?

Jean goes on to say that “The importance and need for project controls can be measured by the project plan.” She then gives what monitoring and controls should be based upon.
• Creating the Project Scope
• Team & Task Structure
• Associated Risk & Risk Management Plan
• Change Control Plan
• Status Monitoring
• Effective Communication Plans
• Budgets & Deadlines
• Evaluation & Analysis
• Corrective Plans
• Presentation Plans

With all of these controls set in place you can be sure to produce successful results on any project at hand. Project Control is not just about being a manager or leader with no boundaries; it is simply working with a team to ensure that the highest potential is reached on the project. Jean says, “The need for project control in every task or challenge given to you grows ever important, especially in the competitive world of project management.”

• Scheid, Jean, (2010, April 20). The Need for Project Control: Why Bother?
http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-management/articles/69114.aspx

Who needs a T.E.A.M.?

With the advancement of digital technology, especially in the music industry, it makes it difficult for the individual artist to make their brand marketable. It takes a team of like minded individuals to make the record sales and increase profitability within that particular market.

A team, comprised of business minded people are necessary to change the atmosphere in the music arena. Every artist, leader, or businessman or woman did not make it to the top by themselves. They had a team in place to help build their brand in areas where they may have needed strengthening.

It is important to surround yourself with people that are going to help you write the vision, have a positive outlook on every situation, and those that can adapt and adjust at a moment's notice.

In the article How to build a Strong Music Team, Author and Marketing Coach of Campaign You Strategy Group Angela Carter gives three keys to building a strong team:

1. Recruit the Right People. "You must mobilize and recruit the right people for your street team for your marketing plans and promotional efforts to be successful."

2. Establish an Organized Structure. "A well-managed team provides more organization and structure. You should also provide training for your team that will help them do their work."

3. Motivate Your Members. "If you want a street team that will be excited to promote for you, who will work hard, who will be energized and motivated, you have to give them a mission. You should let your members know how their work supports a broader mission that you are trying to accomplish."

-Carter, Angela. (2010) How to Build a Strong Music Street Team to Promote Your Music. http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_M_Carter