Starting up a business is a project.
An idea (backed by a scheme of work) put forward with the hope of achieving an end result.
Whilst project management isn’t is actually running the business.
Rather, it’s the foundation work that the future enterprise is built upon.
The business is the fruit of the project being completed successfully.
Project management therefore by nature and importance is discipline all in its own right.
Not at all to be likened with or confused with business management…
…project management is quite a different beast altogether. Although, closely related to running a business.
Project management has more to do with the control of predefined resources to bring about the expected product (which in the case of business start-up is a launched enterprise).
By strict definition, project management is:
“…the use of specific knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to deliver something of value to people.” (Project Management Institute)
Project management can be broken down into series of subjects, topics or components. All topics having their unique relevance.
However, in the case of planning and controlling the business profits of a future campsite enterprise, the following project management disciplines perhaps have the most transferable value:
Work
The first step in attaining control of your business profits is gaining clarity on the scope of work that contributes to your results.
Having a granular (‘grain-by-grain’) handle of every item of work grants ability to manipulate outcomes.
The overall achievement in business is the bigger picture.
But the individual threads of work which intertwine and present a composition are what matter most.
These are the elements that you must grasp to steer your efforst towards success.
And the work breakdown structure is the ideal instrument for visualising this:
Go to Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
(Screenshot taken from “Business Plan Bonus“)
Further reading: https://www.workbreakdownstructure.com/
Cost
The number one fear or risk involved in planning a project is getting your figures wrong and having more cost on your hands than anticipated.
Similarly with business management, underestimating cost is a real risk on future profits.
Play down your outgoings in planning and you’ll thrust full speed ahead expecting open road, only to encounter an unexpected traffic jam which at best delays you.
But at worst could cause a head-on collision.
The cost of which could result in a complete abandonment of the mission.
In avoidance of this, project management tools like work breakdown structure and cost estimation do a great job of helping you establish a grain-by-grain handle of your cost.
For example, establishing a cost per booking that involves absorption of all preparatory activities, like clean up and maintenance helps you build in sustainable profit.
Go to Basis of Cost Estimate Calculator
(Screenshot taken from “Business Plan Bonus“)
Further reading: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Base_cost_estimate
Scheduling
No. 3 on the list of things to avoid when managing projects is lateness.
Late deliverables cost money and disappoint expectations.
This in itself can be very costly.
To keep a tight grip on time management project managers traditionally use schedule planning tools like:
Gantt charts…
…to help them and the project contributors visualise the timing expectations of activities and their interdependence on one another.
Take the lead time to prepare a pitch before accepting new guests:
If this is underestimated, your business runs the risk of offending guests who arrive to meet substandard service levels.
This loses you repeat business and flushes away profit.
(Screenshot taken from “Business Plan Bonus“)
Further reading: https://www.projectmanager.com/guides/gantt-chart
https://campsitebusinessplan.co.uk/knowledge-base/growing-your-campsite-business/: Go To Chapter 12