how to make complex projects simpler
This week, a client had spent an hour in her head, going round in circles. She was getting into rabbit warrens of different potential paths, circling in her mind, exploring various avenues for her lead magnet (a free thing to give to people in her audience that they would find useful so she could then have them on her email list).
She knew she wanted to create a quiz, but with it came the daunting task of figuring out the mechanics—choosing the right technology, designing the customer journey, and all of details in between. Before she knew it, what started as an exciting project had morphed into a massive complex task.
As she shared her thoughts with me, it was clear that her simple lead magnet idea had ballooned into a massive undertaking. This is a common trap for small business owners, where the desire to deliver value can sometimes lead to overcomplication. I find it A LOT with my clients. The key question we had to ask ourselves was: Is the effort worth the reward? Are we truly maximizing our return on investment in terms of time, energy, and the benefits it would bring? Are you getting enough bang for your buck?
To help bring back some simplicity, I started to ask questions to help us figure out how we could make it all less complicated.
Was it necessary for every participant to receive a personalised reply?
Could we design something where users answer questions, receive a score, and then consult a single document that interprets their results?
This approach would not only reduce the technological implications, but also simplify the entire process.
Together, we created a customer journey that was both simple and effective, requiring minimal tech and reducing complications. This solution still achieved the client's goal of attracting and engaging her target audience, with minimal compromise on the quality or the outcomes she desired. The result was a lead magnet that was efficient to create and powerful in its simplicity.
This experience is a reminder of the pitfalls of overcomplication. Often, when we're too close to a project, we can lose sight of the forest for the trees, spiraling into complexity. My role, in this case, wasn't about being a marketing guru or a lead magnet wizard; it was about bringing clarity to the chaos cloud, simplifying the complex, and devising a plan that was both practical and effective.
Why is it important to have undertaken this exercise?
So many reasons!
Time saved going round in circles thinking about it
Time saved NOT creating a mega complicated beast of a lead magnet
Results accelerated and magnified magnified because she was able to get it live quicker
Simpler customer journey means less likely to go wrong in future operationally
Less energy used on this so more energy “in the tank” to do other things - or take a break!
Strategies for When Things Get Too Complicated
If you find yourself in a similar situation, where a project or task starts to feel overwhelmingly complex, here are some strategies to help you simplify:
Question Everything: Ask yourself what the core goal of the project is. This can help you identify which elements are essential and which are superfluous.
Break It Down: Divide the project into smaller, manageable tasks. This can help you focus on one thing at a time and make progress more tangible.
Seek Simplicity: Look for ways to streamline processes and reduce unnecessary steps. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective.
Use Technology Wisely: Choose technology that simplifies your work, not complicates it. There's a tool for almost every need, but more technology isn't always the answer.
Consult with Others: Sometimes, talking through your project with someone else can provide new insights and help you see simpler paths forward.
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