M1D School of Better Future

24/09/2024

Email marketing is a digital strategy where businesses send targeted emails to promote products, services, or build relationships with customers. It remains highly effective and relevant in today’s digital age due to its ability to reach a vast audience directly, provide personalized content, and drive measurable results. Despite the rise of social media and other platforms, email continues to offer a high return on investment (ROI) by nurturing leads, increasing sales, and fostering customer loyalty. Automation and segmentation make email marketing more powerful, ensuring timely, relevant messages that resonate with recipients and enhance engagement.

18/09/2024

The Six Thinking Hats - Enhance Your Brainwork!

05/09/2024

Success often requires putting in long hours, staying up late to finish important tasks, and waking up early to start the day with determination. It means pushing through the tough times and staying committed, even when it feels like the work is never-ending. By dedicating yourself to working hard and making the most of each day, you set yourself up for achieving your goals. This relentless effort and dedication are what truly pave the road to success, not just waiting around for a lucky break. The more you invest in putting in the work and staying focused, the more likely you are to see the results you’re aiming for. 💪✨

30/08/2024

Get to know us more!

MAVERICK ONE DIGITAL CORPORATE WEBSITE LINK --- MAVERICK ONE DIGITAL
Interim Website Link; we are currently migrating web hosting but this link works ---

Maverick One Digital. A forward thinking, fully integrated digital marketing solutions agency that offers content creation, branding and design, digital marketing campaign development, event management, and public relations.

18/08/2024

Comprehensive Guide to Project Planning: Key Steps, Strategies, and Best Practices

Project planning is one of the most critical phases in project management. It lays the foundation for the successful ex*****on, monitoring, and closure of a project. Proper planning ensures that the project meets its objectives within the scope, time, and budget constraints. This article provides an in-depth guide to project planning, covering everything from the fundamental principles to advanced strategies.

Understanding Project Planning
Project planning is the process of defining the scope, objectives, and steps necessary to complete a project. It involves identifying resources, setting timelines, budgeting, and establishing a framework for ex*****on and control. The goal is to create a roadmap that guides the project from initiation to completion.

Key Elements of Project Planning
- Scope Definition: Clearly outlining what is and isn’t included in the project.
- Objectives: Establishing the specific, measurable goals that the project aims to achieve.
- Resources: Identifying the human, financial, and material resources needed.
- Timeline: Setting realistic deadlines and milestones.
- Budget: Estimating the financial cost and securing funding.
- Risk Management: Identifying potential risks and planning mitigation strategies.

Steps in Project Planning
a. Initiation Phase
The initiation phase is where the project’s value and feasibility are measured. Key activities include:
- Project Charter Development: A document that formally authorizes the project, outlining its objectives, scope, and key stakeholders.
- Stakeholder Identification: Recognizing all parties involved or affected by the project, understanding their needs and expectations.
- Feasibility Study: Assessing whether the project is viable, including cost-benefit analysis.
b. Scope Management
Defining the project scope is crucial as it dictates what will and will not be delivered.
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): A hierarchical decomposition of the total scope into manageable components.
- Scope Statement: A document that outlines the project’s deliverables and the work required to create them.
- Change Control Process: Establishing procedures for managing scope changes to prevent scope creep.
c. Schedule Management
Developing a realistic project schedule involves sequencing activities, estimating their durations, and determining resource availability.
- Activity Definition and Sequencing: Identifying all tasks required and arranging them in logical order.
- Critical Path Method (CPM): Determining the sequence of critical tasks that directly affect the project’s duration.
- Gantt Charts: Visual tools to track project timelines and milestones.
d. Cost Management
Accurate budgeting is essential for project success.
- Cost Estimation: Predicting the financial resources required, often using tools like analogous estimating or parametric estimating.
- Budgeting: Allocating costs to different parts of the project, creating a cost baseline.
- Cost Control: Monitoring expenses and managing changes to the cost baseline.
e. Resource Management
Resource planning ensures that the necessary human, material, and financial resources are available when needed.
- Resource Allocation: Assigning tasks based on resource availability and skillsets.
- Resource Leveling: Adjusting the project schedule to resolve resource conflicts.
- Team Building: Ensuring that the project team is cohesive and motivated.
f. Risk Management
Identifying and mitigating risks is essential for project success.
- Risk Identification: Listing all potential risks that could affect the project.
- Risk Analysis: Assessing the likelihood and impact of each risk.
- Risk Response Planning: Developing strategies to mitigate, transfer, accept, or avoid risks.
g. Communication Management
Effective communication is vital for keeping stakeholders informed and ensuring that the project team is aligned.
- Communication Plan: Outlining how, when, and by whom information will be shared.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Keeping stakeholders informed and involved throughout the project lifecycle.
- Reporting: Regular updates on project status, risks, and issues.
h. Quality Management
Quality planning ensures that the project deliverables meet the required standards.
- Quality Assurance: Proactive processes to ensure quality during project ex*****on.
- Quality Control: Monitoring specific project results to determine if they comply with relevant quality standards.
- Continuous Improvement: Implementing lessons learned and best practices for ongoing enhancement.

Advanced Project Planning Techniques
a. Agile Project Planning
Agile methodologies, like Scrum or Kanban, are iterative approaches that allow for flexibility and continuous improvement. Agile planning focuses on delivering small, functional pieces of the project regularly.
- Sprint Planning: Breaking down the project into short, manageable iterations called sprints.
- Backlog Management: Prioritizing features or tasks that need to be completed in the upcoming sprints.
- Daily Standups: Short meetings to discuss progress, obstacles, and next steps.
b. Earned Value Management (EVM)
EVM is a project management technique that integrates scope, schedule, and cost variables to assess project performance and progress.
- Planned Value (PV): The budgeted cost for work planned to be completed by a certain date.
- Earned Value (EV): The budgeted cost for work actually completed by a certain date.
- Actual Cost (AC): The actual cost incurred for work completed by a certain date.
- Performance Indexes: Schedule Performance Index (SPI) and Cost Performance Index (CPI) help measure project efficiency.
c. Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM)
CCPM focuses on managing the uncertainties of a project by protecting the critical chain of tasks with buffers.
- Buffer Management: Creating time buffers to absorb schedule variability.
- Resource Optimization: Ensuring that resources are not over-allocated, preventing delays.

Tools for Project Planning
Project planning can be complex, but various tools and software can simplify the process:
- Microsoft Project: A comprehensive tool for creating schedules, assigning resources, tracking progress, and managing budgets.
- Asana and Trello: These tools support Agile project planning, offering boards, task lists, and collaboration features.
- Primavera P6: Ideal for large and complex projects, particularly in construction and engineering.
- Smartsheet: Combines the ease of use of a spreadsheet with project management capabilities.

Best Practices in Project Planning
a. Involve Stakeholders Early
Engaging stakeholders from the outset ensures that their needs and expectations are clearly understood and incorporated into the project plan.
b. Prioritize Communication
Frequent and transparent communication keeps everyone aligned and helps prevent misunderstandings that could derail the project.
c. Be Realistic
While it's essential to be ambitious, setting realistic goals, timelines, and budgets is crucial for project success.
d. Monitor and Adapt
Regularly review the project plan and be prepared to make adjustments as necessary. Flexibility is key to navigating the inevitable challenges that arise during ex*****on.
e. Document Everything
Maintaining comprehensive documentation helps in tracking progress, making informed decisions, and providing a historical record for future projects.

Project planning is an essential skill for any project manager, as it lays the groundwork for the entire project lifecycle. By understanding and implementing the key elements, steps, and advanced techniques outlined in this guide, you can significantly increase the chances of your project's success. Remember, the more thorough and thoughtful your planning, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the complexities of project management.
Incorporating these best practices and using the right tools will not only help you manage your projects more effectively but will also enhance your reputation as a reliable and competent project manager.





CTTO: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-pm-newsletter-7216948091919187970/

24/07/2024

09/07/2024

I got in for FREE! I am attending this Summit. Click link if you want to join me on Friday, July 12, 8pm (PH time).

Reimagine Your Life In A Recovering World At Mindvalley AI Summit: A 3-Day Free Virtual Event With Today's Leading Teachers, Innovators & Changemakers.

07/07/2024

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE LIVE EVENTS FIELD
Professional Industry Practice Tip #2

"NETWORKING NUANCES"
Networking is the lifeblood of the live events industry. Attend industry conferences, join professional associations, and engage with online communities dedicated to live events. This will not only expand your professional network but also keep you informed about the latest industry developments. Remember, it's not just about collecting business cards; it's about building genuine relationships that can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, and valuable insights into the industry's direction.

Maverick-One DigiMedia
Maverick One Digital
M1D School of Better Future
M1D Professional Event Management Bootcamp PH

24/06/2024

COMPACT CIRCLE
Small circle but a determined group with big ambitions, prioritizing impactful steps while avoiding distractions. Keep the focus tight on achieving significant milestones without unnecessary commotion. By forming a compact circle, you ensure each member is aligned with the ambitious vision, fostering a cohesive and efficient environment. Embrace clarity in objectives and strategies, minimizing unnecessary activities that divert attention from core objectives. This approach not only streamlines efforts but also enhances accountability and effectiveness, allowing each individual to contribute meaningfully towards overarching aspirations. In navigating challenges and seizing opportunities, a focused and purposeful circle amplifies collective efforts, driving progress towards substantial achievements with precision and intent. 💪

24/06/2024

Tip #6
AVOIDING PITFALLS IN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Professional Practice

Maverick One Digital


Client Budgets
Finally, consider your clients' budgets when determining your rates. While you shouldn't undervalue your services, understanding a client's budget can help tailor your offerings to meet their needs while still being profitable for you. Transparent communication about pricing can lead to negotiations that satisfy both parties. Offer different service tiers or customize packages to provide options that accommodate varying budgets. This flexibility can help you secure clients while maintaining fair compensation for your work.

23/06/2024

Tip #5
AVOIDING PITFALLS IN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Elevating Your Professional Practice

Maverick One Digital

M1D School of Better Future

Adjust Regularly
Your rates aren't set in stone; regular adjustments are necessary to reflect your growing expertise and changes in the market. Set a schedule to review your rates—perhaps annually or biannually. If you've expanded your skill set through professional development or achieved significant results for clients, it's reasonable to increase your rates. Additionally, be attentive to economic trends and industry standards that might influence what clients are willing to pay.

23/06/2024

Tip #4
AVOIDING PITFALLS IN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Successful Professional Practice

MMaverick One Digital

Pricing Models
Consider different pricing models to find what works best for you and your clients. You might opt for an hourly rate, a project-based fee, or a retainer model for ongoing services. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. Hourly rates can be simpler but may not always capture the full value of your work. Project fees align well with delivering specific outcomes, while retainers provide consistent income and allow for deeper client relationships. The key is to align your pricing model with the nature of the services you offer.

22/06/2024

Tip #3
AVOIDING PITFALLS IN SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
Professional Practice

Cost Analysis
Perform a cost analysis to ensure your rates cover your business expenses and desired salary. List all costs associated with delivering your services, including software subscriptions, advertising, continued education, and taxes. Don't forget to factor in non-billable hours spent on tasks like marketing and administration. After accounting for expenses, decide on a salary that reflects your experience and expertise. Your rates should cover these costs while allowing for a reasonable profit margin.

21/06/2024

AVOIDING PITFALLS IN SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
Professional Practice Tip #1

Assess Scope
When taking on a new project, thoroughly assess its scope. Understand the client's goals, the target audience, and the resources at your disposal. This initial step will help you gauge the workload and determine whether it aligns with your capacity. Be honest with yourself about what you can achieve without compromising the quality of your work or your well-being. It's better to excel in fewer tasks than to deliver subpar results across the board.

19/06/2024

Embrace Change


Adapting to video content requires an open mindset. Recognize that social media is no longer just about text and images. Video has a unique ability to capture attention quickly and can deliver a message in a more impactful way. Start by experimenting with different video formats, such as live streams, stories, or pre-recorded content, to see what resonates with your audience. Remember, the goal is to tell your brand's story in a way that's both authentic and engaging.


Maverick One Digital

08/06/2024

HOW IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AFFECTING THE CREATIVE ADVERTISING INDUSTRY? Sharing some thoughts to ponder on. Hope it helps.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a big impact on the creative advertising industry, both in terms of how ads are made and how they're delivered. Here's a breakdown of the two main effects:

1. Supercharged creativity and efficiency:

AI can analyze massive amounts of data to identify trends and customer preferences. This helps creatives understand what resonates with audiences and informs their ideas.

AI can automate repetitive tasks like generating variations of ad copy or creating personalized content. This frees up human creatives to focus on the strategic and conceptual aspects of their work.

AI can predict how well an ad will perform before it's even launched. This allows advertisers to optimize their campaigns for better results.

2. More relevant and personalized ads:

AI can target ads to very specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and online behavior. This means that people are more likely to see ads that are relevant to them, which can lead to higher engagement and conversion rates.

AI can personalize ads in real-time. For example, an ad for a travel company could show different destinations to different people based on their past searches.

However, AI isn't replacing human creativity in advertising. Instead, it's acting as a powerful tool that can augment human capabilities. The most successful creative teams will be those that can leverage AI to improve their efficiency and effectiveness while still maintaining a human touch in their work.

Here are some additional points to consider:

There are concerns that AI-generated ads could become formulaic and uninspired.

The ethics of AI in advertising are still being debated, with issues such as intellectual property rights and algorithmic bias needing to be addressed.

Overall, AI is a game-changer for the creative advertising industry. It's helping to create more effective and efficient campaigns, but it's important to use this technology responsibly and ethically.

02/06/2024

If you don't innovate, you will evaporate.

12/05/2024

The best alternative for a SWOT? Probably a NOISE Analysis, encompassing an organization’s Needs, Opportunities, Improvements, Strengths, and Exceptions. This is what it means and how to use it.

While the SWOT Analysis is already decades the most popular tool for strategic analysis, the NOISE Analysis is an interesting and more structured, step-by-step alternative. Its five elements mean the following:

Needs (N)

What needs to be present for a plan or strategy to be achieved? What are the main issues that need to be resolved or next steps that need to be made for the organization to move forward and fulfill its stakeholders’ expectations?

Opportunities (O)

Which external factors will provide an opportunity for the organization to grow or develop? How do other organizations become successful? Which promising avenues for growth or development are there? Are there areas of untapped or unrealized potential?

Improvements (I)

How must the organization change to establish needs and take advantage of opportunities? Which process, practices, and infrastructure needs to be changed and enhanced to achieve what the organization wants and needs to achieve?

Strengths (S)

What is the organization currently doing well? How is success measured? Which distinct advantages and strengths does the organization have compared to others? Which resources, assets, and competencies can be leveraged to achieve what is needed?

Exceptions (E)

What is already present or occurring? Which process, practices or developments are already in place and can continue to play a central role in the future? Which projects or initiatives that are already happening can you further leverage?

Compared to the SWOT, the NOISE Analysis is much more solution-driven and actionable. Rather than merely reflecting an organization’s status quo along four boxes, it has a strong step-by-step logic helping an organization focus and achieve its next strategic moves.

Particularly interesting I find the last two elements Strengths and Exceptions. Both reflect what an organization is already good at and doing in line with the needs identified. As such, these elements reflect an appreciative approach in which strengths are leveraged.

These elements also embrace the continuity of an organization and the reality that there are always projects, processes and practices already going on that can support a strategy. This makes it a more dynamic and realistic tool than a mere SWOT.

When will you start your NOISE Analysis?

--- Jeroen Kraaijenbrink