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Project Management is tricky because of all moving pieces. Joined today by My Amazon Guy Project Manager Dustin Fenton.

Is project management different than another field with Amazon?

·         New things occur consistently – you must be abreast of new changes and trends with little warning

·         Amazon and eCommerce gives the project manager slightly less control than you would have in other industries. It is their site. Their customers. You must adapt to their ecosystem. Amazon constantly throws curve balls.

What kind of tools do you use to be a good project manager?

 ·         Google Sheets are a lifesaver.

·         We use sheets in order to track projects, make new listings, track keyword creation, etc. I pretty much find a way to use Google Sheets on a daily basis. I have my own personal sheet which helps me manage some of my projects and time management.

·         We use Asana as well for project management. This software is easy to use and allows us to keep track of daily, and weekly tasks. It also allows us to share information and progress with clients, when applicable.

·         We use Harvest for time tracking and billing.

·         The final tool that I use is my memory. I have an excellent memory and use this to help me check in with every client. For me I think about each client daily and ask if I have done anything for them in the past couple days. If not, I look at my tools and their accounts, see if anything can be done, react and reach out to them.

How do you feel project management is a cultural issue? :

·         Project management should be a focus on everyone’s mind.

·         Focusing on project management should be done from the top down and part of the culture. If the boss does not have a focus, neither will the employees.

·         Managing project management can be tricky.

How does a manager/boss tow the line between micromanaging projects and assigning with no follow up?

·         I believe the best approach is to clearly outline expectations and have a periodic checkin with each team member to see how they are doing on their tasks, ask where stress points are, and see where their projects can improve. This leaves the power within the team members hands, while checking in to make sure things are moving alone. Gives accountability.

How do you take your current project management process and continuously tweak it without interfering with the actual work?

·         Every business, organization, and agency can improve their processes in project management.

·         The key to success is identifying not only protocols, software’s, and tools which foster growth in PM, but also identify employees who excel at this.

·         Use these employees to help guide other employees and shape processes.

·         Always get feedback from your entire team.

·         Listen to feedback from clients as well.

·         Your team and your clients (constituents, customers) will help give a clear picture of where your organization is in terms of project management, where you can improve, and strong areas which can be grown upon. 

Good project management leads to an increase in output, which leads to more traffic and conversion and sales.

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