Tag Archives: small business

Simple Ways to Involve Others in Your Projects

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This article was originally published at: https://medium.com/@nadegeminois/simple-ways-to-involve-others-in-your-projects-492a2fe56c11

Running a small business can feel lonely — especially when you’re managing a project.

You might think: “It’s quicker to do it myself.” And sometimes that’s true.

But many projects work better — and feel lighter — when you involve others. Even just a little.

You don’t need a big team. You just need a smart way to bring the right help at the right time.

Here’s how to do it simply and effectively.

1. Ask: What actually needs to be done?

List the core steps of your project. Then ask: “Which parts truly need me — and which could someone else help with?”

This isn’t about dumping work. It’s about using your time wisely — and giving others the chance to contribute.

2. Start small

You don’t need to outsource the whole project.

Try delegating just one task — a graphic, a piece of writing, a round of testing. It builds trust and momentum.

3. Be clear and kind

When involving others, clarity is everything:

  • What’s the task?
  • When is it due?
  • What does success look like?

Add a little appreciation — “Thanks so much, this is a big help” — and you’ll set the tone for great collaboration.

4. Share progress visibly

Whether it’s a shared doc, a Trello board, or a group message, make sure everyone can see what’s happening.

It avoids confusion, keeps energy up, and builds shared ownership.

5. Stay in the loop — without micro-managing

Check in regularly, not constantly.

A weekly update or short message is usually enough to keep things moving and show you care.

Involving others isn’t about losing control — it’s about extending your reach.

And when you invite people into your project — even in small ways — you create more space, more progress, and more connection.

What to Do When a Project Starts to Drift

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This article was originally published at: https://medium.com/@nadegeminois/what-to-do-when-a-project-starts-to-drift-54ca415a5f1e

You started with clarity. You had a plan. But now… it’s all gone a bit fuzzy.

Maybe deadlines have slipped. Maybe priorities have shifted. Maybe the energy just isn’t there anymore.

Welcome to the project drift — something every business owner faces at some point.

It’s that quiet moment when a project doesn’t fail loudly… it just stops moving.

The good news? You can get it back on track — calmly, simply, and without starting from scratch.

Here’s how.

1. Pause and take stock

Don’t panic. Just stop and look at where things actually stand.

Ask yourself:

  • What have we done so far?
  • What’s still left?
  • What’s blocking us?

Write it down. See it clearly. That step alone often reduces stress.

2. Reconnect with the goal

Why did you start this project in the first place?

Often, the drift happens because we lose sight of the “why.” Reconnect with the original intention — and ask if it still holds.

If the goal has changed, that’s okay. Adjust accordingly. If it still matters, let it refuel your motivation.

3. Break it into a smaller next step

Momentum comes from action — not from waiting until everything is perfectly aligned.

Pick one thing you can do this week to move it forward.

Not “finish the whole launch.” Just “write the headline.” Just “email the collaborator.” Just “open the file.”

Small steps create movement. Movement creates momentum.

4. Tell someone (even just yourself)

Projects drift in silence. Speaking them out loud — to a colleague, a friend, or your own journal — gives them weight again.

Try saying: “I paused this because ___, and now I’m picking it back up by doing ___.”

That small declaration can shift your mindset.

5. Create a fresh check-in habit

Once a week, spend 10–15 minutes reviewing where you are.

  • What moved forward?
  • What’s next?
  • What’s still unclear?

It doesn’t need to be fancy — just consistent.

The truth is, project drift is normal. What matters is whether you notice it — and what you do next.

So if something’s been sitting half-done, here’s your cue:

You don’t have to restart it. Just reconnect with it.

Pick one step. Do that.

Then take the next one.

How to Choose the Right Project Tools for your Small Business (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

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This article was originally published at: https://medium.com/@nadegeminois/how-to-choose-the-right-project-tools-for-your-small-business-without-getting-overwhelmed-1d60236d1861

Choosing tools for your projects can quickly turn into a rabbit hole. There are hundreds of apps, platforms, and templates promising to organise your life.

But if you’re a small business owner, here’s the truth:

The best tools are the ones you’ll actually use.

Not the fanciest. Not the most feature-packed. Just the ones that match your working style and actually help move things forward.

So how do you choose?

Here’s a simple approach:

Start with your habits.

Do you like writing things down on paper? Great — use a notebook and coloured pens. Prefer dragging cards on a screen? Try Trello. Live inside your calendar? Use it as your task list too.

Keep it simple.

You don’t need five tools when one will do. Many small business owners use:

  • Google Docs (for notes and plans)
  • Trello or Notion (for task tracking)
  • Google Calendar (for scheduling)
  • WhatsApp or email (for communication)

That’s enough for most projects.

Test, don’t overthink.

Pick one tool. Use it for a week. If it helps, stick with it. If not, try another. Don’t spend hours comparing options — your time is better spent doing the work.

Avoid the “too many tools” trap.

Every tool you add creates friction. Make sure each one has a clear purpose — and that everyone involved knows how to use it.

Remember: tools are there to support your process, not define it.

Start small. Stay consistent. Build from there.