As I mentioned in last week’s post on breaking down a big project, taking each section at a time is vital to the success of the overall project. Once you have broken down what has to be done and by whom, it is time to look at what your goals are. Break those down into specific tasks and you can make a to-do list to prioritize those tasks. Feel free to get as granular as you like.
Every day, I use my morning planning session to write out things as specific as “email team leads with new data” or as broad as “write DAM structure - limit 2 hours.” Take a look at your list and prioritize. What needs to be done 1) today, 2) by you, and 3) that will measurably impact the project. Some days we are more productive than others. Some days our lives are busier and our list might include a surprise trip to the dentist or coffee with your mom. Some days you are focused and need to catch up at lunchtime to check off what you’ve accomplished. Some days I have been known to complete a task and then write it down to check it off the list when I need that validation.
Get to know yourself and see if any useful patterns emerge after a few weeks. Are certain days of the week better for deep-focus work? Certain times of the day? Certain locations? For me, I like to use my mornings to get organized, do a couple of hours of work that needs concentration before lunch, regroup to complete whatever small tasks have piled up then do another couple of hours of thoughtful work.
For DAM, here is an overarching digital asset management project to-do list:
Assess your current DAM system. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current system? What features are missing?
Create a DAM strategy. What are your goals for DAM? How will you use DAM to improve your business?
Select a DAM solution. There are many DAM solutions on the market, so it's important to choose one that meets your specific needs.
Implement the DAM solution. This includes migrating your assets to the new system and training your users.
Manage your digital assets. This includes organizing, tagging, and versioning your assets.
Protect your digital assets. This includes implementing security measures to prevent unauthorized access and loss.
Measure the success of your DAM program. This includes tracking metrics such as asset usage and retrieval time.
Each of those steps can take some time, so here are tips to stay on track:
Be specific. Don't just write down "implement DAM." Instead, write down specific tasks that need to be completed, such as "migrate assets to the new system" or "train users on the new system."
Set deadlines. This will help you to stay on track and avoid procrastination.
Prioritize your tasks. Not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks are more important than others. Prioritize your tasks so that you can focus on the most important ones first.
Delegate tasks. If you have the resources, delegate some of the tasks on your list to others. This will free up your time so that you can focus on the most important tasks.
Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan. Be prepared to adjust your to-do list as needed.
As I look to start new marketing, content, and creative projects, I can already see how to-do lists are transferable to any role. Some people like to use online systems or the Notes app for their lists, but I still prefer paper notebooks. Something about that pen striking that check mark feeds my sense of accomplishment, and I hope yours too!