Scrum for Social Media

Although this is an article specific to Social Media (a current passion!), there are some very practical and simple lessons for managers wanting a structured process to get things done thoroughly and quickly. No, the two are not mutually exclusive. It’s about FOCUS and ACCOUNTABILITY. Of yes, and if you happen to be planning, say, developing a company website there are direct applications.

My favorite learning is the new definition of “Scrum.” Not referring to Rubgy, the new definition:

“a project management process with less planning, more prototyping and faster turnaround. Taken from agile software development process, scrum is easy to learn; requires little effort to start using; and works ideally for social media [and OTHER!] projects.”

This isn’t the only way to manage introducing a new product, but it is one to consider. See how it fits your business!

Nearly everyone would agree that accountability is important to successful business management. How many have identified it as a critical component to growth? Virtually every one of our small business owner clients encounters it as a common symptom while they are trying to go from a micro business to a small business, or from small to medium.

Read a solid article from Tim Berry, President of Palo Alto Software (makers of Business Plan Pro) about accountability. A recent client is struggling with accountability as they grow from a 30-something person firm. So Tim’s graphic, “The Accountability Dip” is helpful to show them they’re right on track to be running into the logjams they’re finding.

We’re working currently with a client to build a business plan (which they haven’t had during their 50-year history…not uncommon) and in so doing, introduce accountability – by the way, it was the #1 word their top level managers used to identify the main thing preventing them from growth! It can be the elephant in the room, and it needs to be addressed.