How to Manage a Project from Anywhere

Whilst many Project Managers work with an in-house team, allowing daily face-to-face contact and a close style of management, some people will need to manage a project remotely, either because they have chosen to outsource the work or because their employer has made a strategic outsourcing decision. Whether running their own business from home or outsourcing multiple strands of work, it is important to understand how you may be able to deliver a project without physically being in the presence of your team.
Is it possible to run a project remotely?

In a nutshell; yes! There are a whole range of tools and techniques available to you, and when you have mastered the ability to manage your project remotely, it opens up a whole new realm of possibilities – geography becomes irrelevant allowing you to select the talent you need to get the job done.

Where do I start?

Let's say you have received funding to set up a local arts venue, and your first project is to manage the design and build of your website, within the timescales and budget set out in your funding agreement.

First of all, you will need to compile a team. You may wish to employ a friend, or a recommended web company – but if you have no idea who will make up your team, there are many options available to you. Outsourcing organisations allow companies and freelancers to remotely bid for project work. All you need to do is set a brief and budget, and then select your new team member from the proposals you receive in response.
Let's say you have decided to employ the following team members for your web build project:
• A web design and build freelancer
• A previous colleague for web copy and SEO
• A social media strategist

Each individual has the project skills and experience you require but they are all based in different parts of the country but you can successfully manage such a group of team members by ensuring you are clear about expectations from the outset; providing clear guidelines and deadlines, and ensuring that you are easily contactable for questions.

A good way to manage your project is by using an online tool such as Basecamp, where you can create to-do lists, interact via message boards, facilitate time tracking and allow file sharing. With everything stored in one place, from the first round of web copy to the final homepage mock-up, it is a succinct way of managing your project centrally, and with visibility for all team members. If team members need to interact (such as the copywriter providing words to the web developer), they can do so via here.

As long as you are clear and detailed with the instructions you provide and ensure that your team members communicate well, there is no reason why remote working should hinder your ability to manage and successfully deliver a project. In this example, you will be able to build a great website for your arts venue without the need to assemble a project team in one physical location. You can learn more about project management by reading a current project management blog or attending one of the many project management courses available.