marketing yourself assignment

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Lesson Plan: Marketing Yourself

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In this lesson, students will explore opportunities and methods to enhance their job search in the marketing industry.

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10 Powerful Habits for Building a Personal Brand (and Marketing Yourself)

Building and promoting your own personal brand is as important for you as it is for any company. maybe more..

We all know the power of brands. Who anywhere in the world isn't familiar with McDonald's fabled golden arches, Coca-Cola's distinctive red-and-white logo, or the green Starbucks mermaid?

But here's a secret-- building and promoting your own personal brand is just as important for your success and happiness as it is for any business. In fact, since it's you we're talking about, it might be even more important.

In her book Personal Branding and Marketing Yourself , executive coach, trainer, and consultant Rita B. Allen explains that there are 10 habits you should adopt to market yourself while building a more powerful personal brand .

1. Identify specific target markets

When you're building your brand, it's better to first focus on a few, most-promising targets, than to try to reach out to the entire world all at once. You'll get the greatest payoff for your time and money by identifying the segments of your market where you are likely to achieve the greatest rewards, and then pursuing them relentlessly.

2. Know your marketplace

Your brand is only as good as you are. Stay up to date with your industry--the latest news, practices, companies, and other information. The moment you begin to fall behind is the moment your brand will begin to tarnish.

3. Be visible and "in play"

Building a brand means getting out of your office and becoming very visible to your target audience and potential customers and clients. Attend networking events and become active in your profession and community. The more visible you are, the stronger your brand.

4. Become a source of relevant information

You should be someone people contact when they want expert advice or information on a particular topic. When you build a following as a content expert, you put yourself in position to be viewed as a trusted authority, which will attract people to you.

5. Always give something back to your profession and community

When you give back to others, not only will you gain the personal satisfaction that comes from doing it, but you'll build your brand in ways that money can't buy. People will remember the good deeds you have done, and your personal brand will benefit as a result.

6. Practice networking etiquette

Networking is all about marketing yourself, but it's also about giving others the opportunity to market themselves to you. Make sure that your networking efforts are beneficial to both you and to the people with whom you are networking. It's a two-way street.

7. Maintain your shelf life and develop an effective social media presence

In the publishing world of which I am a part, you're only as good as your latest book. Don't rest of your laurels, as impressive as they may be. Continue to do great work and achieve great things. And in these days of social media, don't ignore your LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other accounts.

8. Create a networking database

Keep an up-to-date computer listing or database of all your networking contacts and social media connections.

9. Have a clear, brief message to deliver

The founder of every startup has a well-honed elevator pitch--ready to break out at a moment's notice when the opportunity presents itself. You should have a similar pitch ready for your own personal brand. What is your value proposition? Why should someone work with you?

10. Don't ever stop!

Building and marketing a personal brand is all about generating momentum--and then sustaining it over a long period of time. Once you get the ball rolling, then keep it rolling. It's a lot easier to keep the momentum going than it is to start all over again from scratch.

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

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7 Strategies for Marketing Yourself

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A lot of us find it tough to put ourselves out there. We naturally default to being self-deprecating or deflecting the attention to someone else when we're praised for our expertise in an area.

But when you're marketing yourself, it's not time to be shy. You need to sing your own praises from the rooftops, with a careful strategy in place, of course.

Whether you're talking about marketing or advertising, building yourself up is all about brand positioning. You've got to show your customer base that you're the first person they should go to with a problem in your market.

The question of how to market yourself online, and offline, is a tricky one. It’s hard to get it right, and it takes a lot of legwork on your part.

But if you put in the necessary effort to do it by implementing a few tried-and-true strategies, you’ll stand out from the pack, and that makes all the difference in the world of marketing.

7 best strategies for marketing yourself

• Choose a niche
• Become an expert
• Build a social media following
• Be inclusive
• Look for speaking opportunities
• Get to know people

Things to consider while creating a marketing plan for yourself

There’s a big difference between marketing yourself and marketing a business. You can always get rid of one business and start a new one with a totally new name and identity, but you will always have your face, your personality, and your reputation.

As a result, you have to be very thoughtful with how you go about marketing yourself. There are two extremely important things to keep in mind if you want to maximize yourself in building yourself up as a brand:

You’ve got to know your stuff

In order to be successful in marketing yourself, you absolutely have to know what you are talking about.

If you’re not an expert in your field, you have no hope of selling whatever product or service you have on offer to a client. You don’t have to know everything about a subject -- almost no one does -- but you should have a firm grasp on one aspect of, say, IT security.

For example, if you can help any small business come up with a simple solution to protect their IT infrastructure, that’s worthwhile expertise to have.

You’ve got to be willing to put yourself out there

If you’re shy, you better get over it, because you can’t market yourself if you aren’t willing to put yourself out there.

Fortunately, if you feel like you are an expert in your chosen field, that should help give you the confidence you need.

It won’t be enough to sit behind a computer and try to get people to buy into you as a brand; potential customers have got to see you out there being your company’s evangelist-in-chief.

7 best ways to market yourself

There are an endless number of ways to market yourself, but the seven we’ve chosen below cover the gamut of the kind of basics you need to be focusing on in order to build a multi-layered and effective marketing campaign to promote your brand.

1. Choose a niche

The first step in self-marketing is identifying who you are. For example, if you do IT security for a living, your niche cannot be IT security. That is way too broad and there are too many people who do it. You'll immediately get lost in the shuffle.

Instead, you could be someone who provides low-cost IT security to sole proprietor businesses who are total novices when it comes to the world of cyber.

When you choose a niche that is appropriately narrow like this, ideas immediately spring to mind on who you need to be marketing to and what your messaging needs to be. If it's just "IT security," you'd have a hard time figuring out where to even begin marketing yourself.

Identifying your niche is tricky, but there are a few simple steps you can take now to get the ball rolling:

• Research your market to identify underserved areas
• Create a few customer profiles describing the types of clients you will go for
• Ask yourself if the market you’ve chosen is niche enough or if you should get even more specific
• Ask if you may be going too niche, and focusing on a market so small that there aren’t enough customers to provide the revenue you need

Example of doing it wrong: Greg doesn't try to define his market and just advertises himself as a marketing firm. Months later, he's still struggling to get clients.

Example of doing it right: After extensive market research, Sally decides that she should position herself as a marketing agency that will put pet-based businesses on the map with a custom-tailored plan, and promises to beat any competitor's price. She immediately starts developing relationships with pet-based businesses in the area.

2. Become an expert

Trust is important when you're marketing yourself, and people trust experts, so it's important you find a way to position yourself as someone with knowledge of your niche. You already have that knowledge, of course, but people don't know that, so you've got to do some legwork to get your name out there. You've already worked hard to learn how to work for yourself, so see it through by doing your research and becoming as knowledgeable as you can.

If there's some certification you can get, that's a good first step. You should also reach out to the media. Use services like HARO (Help A Reporter Out) to offer your expertise up to journalists looking to interview someone on the topic. You can then point to these articles as proof that you're seen as an expert.

Becoming an expert takes a good deal of effort, but you can do it if you carve out some time to do the following things:

• Set aside an hour per day to read up on articles or market research about your industry
• Have a couple conversations per week with clients in your field to ask for their perspectives
• Reach out to organizations that run conferences or other events that feature speakers to find out how you can get on the list
• Create a YouTube channel where you provide your expert opinions

Example of doing it wrong: Jean doesn’t do much research on what software tools construction managers need to be successful, and when a member of the media reaches out to her, her answers are unusable and she is not featured in the journalist’s article.

Example of doing it right: Tony spends hours researching construction management software tools and talks to some users about their preferences. When he speaks at a construction management conference, the audience is wowed by his knowledge and his in-depth responses to questions, raising his profile among his clientele.

You have knowledge that a lot of people find valuable, so put it out there. Content marketing is an incredibly valuable tool to build your brand, so take advantage of it by creating insightful and keyword-rich articles to post to your website.

Of course, you need to build a website first, and you should review several examples to get some ideas on what kind of format your website should take that will most appeal to your audience.

There are a lot of tools that can help you here. CMS software can help you develop a content strategy and execute it.

Email marketing software can help with creating a newsletter that your clients will find useful. Use email marketing best practices and some digital marketing tips to maximize your success.

And don't just post to your own website -- visit influential blogs in your niche or use sites like Quora to answer people's questions and interact with the community. By helping to educate your consumers, they increasingly see you as a trustworthy expert and they will get to know your business as well, and hopefully you'll be at the front of their minds when they need your services.

Content marketing sounds like a lot of effort learning a skill you’re not familiar with, but in fact it’s just about creating quality content that helps people, so take these steps first:

• Read up on search engine optimization (SEO) best practices
• Set aside a block of time each day, or at least each week, to produce content
• Solicit questions from your audience that you can offer your expertise on in the form of a YouTube video or blog post
• Ask around for guest-posting opportunities

Example doing it wrong: Sam doesn’t set aside any time to produce insightful content and has to pay top dollar for advertising because he doesn’t get any organic traffic.

Example of doing it right: The first thing Tina does each morning is hop onto Quora and answer a few questions from people looking for answers in her field. As a result, she begins to see an uptick in traffic to her website from people checking out her profile.

4. Build a social media following

Social media is challenging to master, but it's important, so you need to be developing accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms.

One important thing to keep in mind is to know your audience: if most of your clients can be found on Facebook, spend more time there, and if it's LinkedIn, that's where you should devote most of your resources.

You can take the content you're creating for your website and share it on social media. You can also use these platforms to interact with clients and other companies in your niche to further develop a following and make a name for yourself.

Project management expert Lolly Daskal provides a good example of how to market yourself on Twitter. Image source: Author

A lot of people have no idea where to begin with social media, but the first steps aren’t that hard:

• Determine how often you can post meaningful content on your social media accounts, and set up a schedule to do so
• Interact with potential customers and other influencers in your market by asking questions or answering them on a daily basis
• Edit your profile to send people straight to your landing page
• Experiment with all social media platforms to see which ones work best for you

Example of doing it wrong: Wendy doesn’t see the point of social media and doesn’t even have any accounts, meaning she gets zero traffic from one of the most popular places for her customers to congregate.

Example of doing it right: Alyssa uses tools like Hootsuite to schedule blasts to Facebook and Twitter at regular intervals so people are always getting content from her, and she’s responding to other people’s social media posts. As a result, her social media audience increases every week, and therefore her potential client pool is expanding.

5. Be inclusive

Sometimes, it's best to let someone else do the talking, and build your brand in the process. By being inclusive and letting others join the conversation, you show that you are willing to listen to other people's input which increases their willingness to work with you or do business with your company.

Invite guest posters to write for your blog, or maybe even take over your social media account for the day. They'll add an additional perspective that your readers or followers will find valuable, and they'll increase the profile of your personal brand.

A lot of us have a control freak side that wants to be the only voice in our business, but if you want to grow, you need to take a few steps to start bringing more people under the umbrella:

• Create a long list of people you would want to write a guest post for your site in an ideal world. Be ambitious, they can only say no
• Commit to asking one person per day to write for your site on a topic of their choosing, although you can gently offer your own ideas
• Add a forum to your site to build a community
• Promptly respond to comments to your blog posts

Doing it wrong: Troy posts a lot of content, but never invites his peers to join him. He’s disappointed by the lack of engagement from influential people in his market.

Doing it right: Kim is using her social media strategy to reach out to influencers and see if they’d be willing to share their knowledge with a quick post, and she’s delighted to see the resulting guest posts bring in visitors who wouldn’t have otherwise known about her.

6. Look for speaking opportunities

One of the best ways to market yourself is to have a captive audience, so look for opportunities for public speaking.

Figure out where your customers gather, and get on the list. That could be conferences, trade shows, workshops, association meetings. Whatever the case, contact the organizer, point to the credentials you've established as an expert, and offer to speak.

When you do get a speaking engagement, remember at all times that you are marketing yourself, not selling a product. As a result, your goal should be building trust by sharing your knowledge with the audience.

You should, of course, plug your product or service at the end of your talk, but the focus of the talk should be on helping the audience learn more about a subject they care about.

This can be an intimidating step, especially for introverts, but you can do the following things to make it a bit easier:

• Make a list of where your customers gather
• Create a one-page information sheet detailing your expertise
• Contact these events to ask about speaking engagements and provide the sheet to them
• Start with small events and use these to bolster your credentials to speak at big conferences

Example of doing it wrong: Tim never physically puts himself in front of customers and struggles with name recognition as a result, making it harder to get guest posters or interact with new clients .

Example of doing it right: Bob is constantly scouring IT trade shows for new speaking opportunities to promote his new book on easy ways small businesses can boost IT security, and has found it to be an incredibly lucrative new pipeline to finding new customers.

7. Get to know people

The oldest marketing technique in the book is to network, and even in today's world of digital marketing, face-to-face contact is still the best way to market yourself.

People trust individuals they have met and spoken to more than someone they've only interacted with on social media or via email. It lets them know this is a real person they're dealing with and they're not just a number.

When you get those speaking engagements, take opportunities to talk to people afterward and exchange cards.

Identify important people in your industry and offer to buy them lunch to pick their brain; people love to share their expertise, after all. Go to where your customers gather and ask them about their wants and needs. All of these situations create tremendous opportunities to market yourself.

You’d be surprised at how big of an impact just a couple of extra face-to-face meetings per week can make, and here’s what you can do to experience that for yourself:

• Determine how much time you should spend each week on face-to-face interaction
• Take your list of trade shows and events and put as many in the calendar as you can
• Create business cards and marketing materials you can hand out when you talk to people
• Invite one person you admire or want to get to know to coffee each week

Example of doing it wrong: Mona spends all her time on content marketing and social media, but finds that it’s just not bringing in enough clients to get her business into profitability.

Example of doing it right: Brett supplements his online activities with visiting workshops and conferences to meet with potential clients face-to-face, and finds that it is a great way to create a pipeline of referrals.

It’s time to come up with your own strategy

It’s tricky figuring out how to promote yourself online or how to properly prioritize time-consuming, in-person networking and public speaking, but when you get it right, you will see a huge increase in your customer base.

Branding yourself isn’t just about asking the question of how to advertise yourself, it’s about positioning yourself as an expert, and there’s no shortcut to becoming one.

Take the next opportunity to sit down for an hour or two and really map out what kind of changes you need to make to implement the above strategies. Do you need to carve out time in the morning for more social media promotion? Do you need to set aside Thursdays for speaking engagements?

Once you’ve mapped out a plan, you’ll be well on your way to success.

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market development assignment

A marketing plan is a strategic document that outlines marketing objectives, strategies, and tactics. A business plan is also a strategic document. But this plan covers all aspects of a company's operations, including finance, operations, and more. It can also help your business decide how to distribute resources and make decisions as your ...

Using the template above, outline your growth goals and strategy to lay the foundation for your market development initiative. This template will help you plan out the steps necessary to achieve your goals and help you determine whether or not they are realistic for this project. Step 3. Create your marketing plan.

Example: If a goal of your marketing plan is to increase email subscriptions and you follow the SMART goal framework (ensuring your objective is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound) your goal might look like this: Increase email subscription rate from 10% to 20% in H1 . 3.

SWOT Analysis Template: Determine your product's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and weaknesses, as well as conduct market research on the competition. Sales Plan Template: Outline and communicate sales strategy to stakeholders. Collaborate with your template across each department to complete these templates.

Ansoff Matrix. The 4 strategies in the Ansoff model are: Market Penetration Strategy: You focus your marketing efforts on sales of an existing product in a current market that you already have a stake in.; Market Development Strategy: You market your current products to a different customer base or target market.; Product Development Strategy: You market a new product line to a target audience ...

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Oct 26, 2023. A marketing plan is a blueprint that outlines your strategies to attract and convert your ideal customers as a part of your customer acquisition strategy. It's a comprehensive document that details your: Target audience: Who you're trying to reach. Marketing goals: What you want to achieve.

1. Conduct market research: The first step in developing a market development strategy is to conduct market research to identify potential new markets. This involves analyzing market trends, customer needs, competition, and other factors that can impact the success of the expansion. Here are the general steps to conduct market research:

Budget: List marketing budget and resources required to execute your marketing campaign, and estimate what it will cost. Include items such as labor, materials and other expenses such as: print materials, online media tools or development, public relations services, design services, content development services, space or equipment rental, etc.

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4.23: Assignment- Marketing Plan, Part I. Page ID. Lumen Learning. Lumen Learning. Student Instructions: Complete the following information about the organization and products and/or services you will focus on as you develop a complete marketing plan throughout the course. You may need to do research to get answers to the questions below.

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A Quick Guide to the MoSCoW Method Technique

January 12, 2022 - 10 min read

The MoSCoW method is a prioritization technique used by project and campaign managers to work smarter not harder. In this quick guide, we’ll explain exactly what the MoSCoW method is, how it works, and provide some examples you can use to inform your own analysis. Keep reading to better understand the various categories within the MoSCoW method, as well as an alternative prioritization tool for project managers.

What is the MoSCow method?

The MoSCoW method is a technique used by organizations to communicate the importance and priority of the various requirements being met in various projects. This method is also referred to as MoSCoW prioritization and MoSCoW analysis.

The term MoSCoW is an acronym that refers to the first letter of each of the four priority categories. It uses four categories, which are must-have, should-want, could-have, and will not have. While it’s meant to be used at the start of a project when time is on your side, it can also be adapted to work seamlessly for time constraints .

Software developer Dai Clegg originally created the MoScoW method. Since then, many other leading companies have used it to get their team on the same page, properly distribute resources, and achieve project goals. 

How does the MoSCow technique work?

The MoSCoW technique works by allowing teams to include multiple representatives from the organization in their project management discussions. This gives everyone a wider perspective on the organization's operations and where their collective priorities lie. 

Before you begin your MoSCoW method, think about which people can provide valuable context for your team. They can help you identify opportunities and threats, and they can help you make better decisions. Once finalized, the MoSCoW method will also force stakeholders to show evidence before they can submit additional work requests mid-project. 

Critics of MoSCoW often say that it does not include a comprehensive objective scoring system for all initiatives. This is a common mistake that many teams make. A weighted scoring method will more accurately measure the backlog against a set of predefined benefits and costs.

One of the most challenging aspects of the MoSCoW technique is learning which categories their initiatives should go in.  As the manager, you will need to know which of your team's initiatives are “must haves” for their product or which are merely “should haves”. 

You may even need to solicit feedback from a different department in order to get greater perspective on your current project prioritization. For example, a marketing department head may have greater insight into which selling points for your upcoming product launch are resonating more with buyers so that you can work on perfecting those components first. 

Another key idea about how the MoSCoW technique works is that it’s only effective if you follow it. This means that, once an initiative is placed into a category, the entire team needs to stick to that decision. Many beginner MoSCoW teams end up agreeing that an initiative should have been initiated, but they move on to the next step instead because it feels better or more familiar to them. 

Finally, when it comes to making decisions about prioritization, your team will need to have a consistent framework in place before you engage with this technique. A consistent framework for assessing and ranking all initiatives is critical if you want to avoid biases and falling into old patterns. 

Your team’s prioritization strategy helps set expectations across the organization. It lets them know that they have made the right decisions and weigh all the factors that go into making those decisions. Don’t be afraid to make your MoSCoW method results available to the rest of your organization if applicable. 

Understanding MoSCow prioritization categories

Before the MoSCoW analysis can begin, all participants need to agree on which initiatives will be prioritized. It's important to discuss how to resolve disagreements in order to prevent them from holding up progress during this preparation stage. This can help prevent issues from happening in the first place.

Once the framework has been established, it is time to start identifying the appropriate categories for each project. Here are the definitions and explanations of each of the MoSCoW prioritization categories: 

Musts are defined as initiatives that are critical to the success of a project or product. These are usually non-negotiable and can be used to describe specific functionalities or solutions that need to be implemented.

The “must have” category is challenging to define. Before you start, ask yourself if something is truly necessary in this category.

Should have

Although “should have” initiatives are not essential to a product or project, they may add significant value. A “should have” initiative is different from a “must have” initiative, which means it can be scheduled for a future release.

“Could haves” are initiatives that are not necessary to the core of a product. Projects that are placed in the “could have” category are often the first ones to be deprioritized when another project takes longer than expected.

Will not have

The MoSCoW method places several initiatives in a “will not have” category. This method allows you to manage expectations about what will not be included in a release or another timeframe.

Putting initiatives in the “will not have" category can help prevent scope creep . This category shows the team that the project is not a priority at this specific time frame. 

Some initiatives are prioritized in the “will not have” group, while others are likely to happen in the future. Some teams then decide to create a subcategory for these initiatives.

How is the MoSCoW method used in project management?

The concept of MoSCoW allows project managers to prioritize tasks that can be done efficiently even when they have limited time. For example, if the team has a tight budget, it can use MoSCoW to determine which initiatives can be completed within those limitations. 

This is especially useful for managers juggling more than project or leading cross-functional teams. This is because cross-functional teams are sometimes obligated to another company or department’s priorities. While your team is working on a new product release, another project manager may have them on a tight timeline for another client’s goal. 

And, as we all know, things come up throughout the lifespan of a project. Although efficient planning helps teams remain agile, the MoSCoW method can make even the biggest and most unexpected roadblocks more manageable. 

MoSCoW examples

This method can be used for nearly any industry or project type because it has to do more with project decision-making than the subject matter itself. Here are a couple of MoSCoW method examples you can use to get started with your first draft: 

1. National College of Ireland’s website project

In this example from a lecture on the MoSCoW analysis, Professor Eugene O’Loughlin demonstrates how to use this technique when building a website . 

The project goal in this example is to create a platform where users can securely log in and access files. Because of this, the tasks listed under their MoSCoW categories will look different from other standard website creation projects. 

For example, while another project may add “have an eye-catching design” to their should-have section, this particular website has added “password retrieval” because it directly applies to their security-oriented goal. 

Even if this website project could benefit from a great design, the MoSCoW method helps managers and teams laser focus on completing the highest priority activities first. If they have more time later on, they can potentially add a design improvement task to their “could haves” if they determine the ROI is high enough. 

Takeaway: Consider your project holistically when assigning priority. Your goals should be your north star for determining what is or is not truly important, regardless of what conventional wisdom says to do. 

2. Slideteam’s Assessing HR Requirements Template

This is one of the MoSCoW examples that shows how many different types of tasks this technique covers. Here, we see storing employee leave history as a must, leave letter printing a should, notifications for pending leave dates a could, and remote access a won’t. 

In HR, many of their decisions around prioritization will be made by compliance and legal counsel that they must adhere to. Still, it’s important to define these tasks and their MoSCoW label so that employees understand at a glance that it’s less important to set up leave notifications and more important that they update employment histories in their software. 

Takeaway: The MoSCoW method can be used to cover many different aspects of projects including compliance and procedure. 

How to undertake a MoSCoW analysis using Wrike

Wrike is a project management software that allows users to strategize how they prioritize their portfolio of projects as well as the tasks within each individual initiative. Using visual tools such as road maps that show what progress will look like from kickoff to completion, managers can easily see which of their chosen MoSCoW analysis configurations work best for achieving their goals. 

Wrike also allows you to centralize all of your project planning in one central location. You can view potential resource conflicts across projects, individual task progress statuses, and automate tasks from your should or could have categories that you otherwise wouldn’t have time for. 

Ready to get started with the MoSCoW method and Wrike? Sign up for a two-week free trial today. 

Maria Waida

Maria is a freelance content writer who specializes in blogging and other marketing materials for enterprise software businesses.

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An Introduction to Bullet Journal Project Management

Bullet journals are great tools to destress and organize various aspects of project management. In this guide, we’re diving deep into the pros and cons of using this method to organize projects of all kinds. Keep reading to discover what bullet journal project management is and how this practice can boost productivity to new levels.  What is a bullet journal? A bullet journal is a customized space to organize all of your personal projects and goals. It can also be used to track deadlines and prioritize tasks. Bullet journaling became popular thanks to the book Getting Things Done, which is about a project management technique that uses a bullet journal to manage different projects efficiently. Bullet journals are often used to create daily, weekly, and monthly project plans. They can also be home to your to-do lists, inspiration boards, and project notes. They’re relaxing to create and relatively easy to maintain.  If you have multiple projects to manage, then you may want to use more than one notebook. Or you can swap your physical journal for a professional services management software that has plenty of space for storing digital plans.  Software tools are also easy to customize, make collaboration easier, and help with turning the plan into reality through task creation and assignment tools. With Wrike, data from multiple users will automatically sync so that everyone is on the same page with new updates and responsibilities.  If you do use a physical journal, using loose leaf paper in a binder will allow you to add pages as you go. This is useful for keeping track of all the data in one place instead of switching to additional notebooks when you run out of room.  There are many elegant, decorated bullet journal page layouts out there. Many invest time into making them artistic with drawings, decorative tape, and cut-out images. This isn’t necessary for project management, but it may be a fun activity outside of work.  Bullet journals can use several different layouts. The most common is a two-page spread that includes a month-long calendar on one page and a breakdown of goals for that period on the other. The latter will help you keep track of all the dates and commitments that are important to you as you get closer to starting a new project. The two-page spread makes it easy to see where you'll be working most efficiently in the coming weeks. It's ideal for people who manage multiple projects simultaneously. You can also create a view of the next six months within your bullet journal project management layout. This is called a future log. A future log is a calendar that lets you keep track of important events and dates for long-term projects. How do you use a bullet journal in project planning? Projects are essentially collections of notes and tasks that are linked to a common goal. They can be pulled together in a bullet journal for you to easily see all of the work related to that specific project. To start, you’ll need to list out your goals.  Create a list that includes every project goal you or your team can think of. Sort them in order of importance. Ideally, these smaller project goals will align with your organization’s big-picture goals.  Once you know what you’d like to accomplish, you can begin your bullet journal. Start by breaking down your number one goal into a project action plan. This can span days, weeks, or months. Then, break down your project action plan into individual tasks. Determine what the task is, who will be in charge of getting it done, and when it needs to be completed.  After that, you’re ready to use your bullet journal for project planning.  Step 1: List out your sections Number your pages if they aren’t already. At the beginning of the bullet journal, write the name of the page on the left side and the page number on the right.  Step 2: Add your key You may use symbols and abbreviations throughout your project planning. Put these at the beginning of the journal either after or on the same page as your key. Use color coding to signify which symbols belong to each project if you have more than one.  Step 3: Write out your future log A future log is a list of key dates and tasks that aren’t part of your immediate three-to-six month plans but are important to keep in mind. Add this after your key and leave space for other items as they come up.  Step 4: Create your calendar This can be in the form of a traditional calendar page. Some people like to hand draw them. However, you can also print, cut out, and paste a blank monthly calendar page into your journal too.  Step 5: Track tasks Create sections for monthly, weekly, and daily task lists. You can organize these in a few ways. Some project managers prefer to do it by project or by person. You can also create one massive list with everything you’re personally responsible for so you have it all in one place. Or use a combination of any of these for your various projects.  Make sure to check in with your bullet journal weekly and monthly. Note any upcoming or past deadlines. Adjust your task list and schedule for unexpected issues as needed.  The benefits of using a bullet journal for work Project managers often have a hard time keeping track of their work activities without losing track of anything along the way. This is one of the reasons why the bullet journal is so useful. Not only does it give you a roadmap of your next projects, but it’s also good for daily use.  You can keep track of to-do lists, priorities, and daily reflections. You can also journal about your progress and realign with goals all in the same notebook or tool. You can also rapidly log your thoughts for the day to boost your creativity and clear out emotions that no longer serve the project.  Combine your bullet journal for work with your personal goals. It will be easier to prioritize and accurately schedule tasks when you have your entire life laid out in front of you on paper.  Another benefit of using a bullet journal for work is that you can either DIY a notebook or use a planner you already have. It’s not so much what you use but how you use it.  And bonus: bullet journaling only takes five to 15 minutes a day. Whether it’s reviewing tomorrow’s meetings or crossing off today’s tasks, a bullet journal practice is easy to build into your schedule no matter how busy you are.  The disadvantages of using a bullet journal in project management While bullet journaling project management is great for keeping track of key project details, many project managers need a separate system to manage their meetings and reports.  Having more than one journal or calendar to manage at one time can be confusing. Add more than one project to the mix, and it may be counterproductive to use a traditional pen and paper bullet journal to accomplish your goals.  Another disadvantage of using a bullet journal in project management is your lack of ability to collaborate with others. When writing on paper, you have to either show your team the notebook in person or scan the pages and share them online. Either way, it’s not ideal for large, remote, and/or revolving teams.  The other thing to know about bullet journaling before diving in headfirst is that it can be quite time-consuming. If you do a crafty layout with calligraphy and scrapbooking accessories, then it may even take several days to finish.  And once you do have your plans laid out, they can be hard to change. Rewriting, erasing, and making more space for things that come up are essential for project planning. For that reason, we suggest using an 11 inch by 7 inch grid lined notebook to give yourself extra space.  Also, you can outline headlines and calendars with a pen or marker if you like the look. But stick to pencil for any factual information that is subject to change throughout the lifetime of the project. If you don’t do this now, you may end up having to scrap entire pages and start over later on.  Bullet journal alternatives you should consider Bullet journals are fun, unique, and creative. But there are some projects where they just aren’t the best possible option for managing it all. The project may be too complex or too large for a single notebook. There may even be so many updates needed that a physical notebook doesn’t make sense for your project.  If you’re facing any of these issues, you can try any of the following bullet journal alternatives:  Digital calendar and list app combo Bulletin board, sticky notes, and shared files Project management software Project management software is the top choice for bullet journal alternatives. Not only is it flexible, but it can make project planning more productive.  Wrike is the ultimate platform for customizing your own bullet journal project management processes. With over 30 predefined apps you can use to sync all your project data in one place, it's the most versatile platform for managing complex tasks. As a single source of truth for a project, team, and entire organization, project management software offers more advanced features than a simple notebook can. Instead of writing everything down on a few sheets of paper, Wrike acts like a living document. And unlike other digital organization tools, Wrike is specifically built to optimize project performance and success.  Wrike's tools are designed to work seamlessly with any team. Anyone who has permission to access the project can share files and tasks quickly and easily. Once uploaded, collaborators can visually edit and obtain files.  They’ll also have access to reports and tasks that are simple to understand at a glance without losing the details in the process. This allows all managers to gain visibility across departments and groups. Wrike is the ideal solution for teams that want to grow and operate efficiently with the help of cutting edge technology. For example, Wrike’s Work Intelligence helps you get started with the next generation of work, with AI-powered projects and automation. Wrike also features a streamlined UI that lets you customize its features to work seamlessly with your team. Although bullet journaling allows you to customize your project planning, you’ll be able to get and implement feedback from partners faster with a digital project tool.  Here are some other stand out benefits of using a project management software over a physical or digital bullet journal:  It’s interactive. For example, Wrike offers Gantt charts that lets users visualize their plans and progress. It’s efficient. Kanban boards make it easy to work seamlessly with Agile teams by creating and sharing whenever needed.  It’s faster. Wrike's template library is designed to help you quickly create and manage complex projects. It’s customizable. With custom request forms, you can easily gather details for your intake, assign tasks to the right teams, and dynamically route questions and requests. It’s up to date. Wrike’s calendars are ideal for team members who want to keep up with the latest information. It’s repeatable. Most tasks go through the same steps before they are finished. In a project management solution, you build a path for yours that will automatically assign and notify people when it's ready to begin through Wrike’s Automation Engine.  It’s trackable. With timers, approvals, and visual task assignments, you can manage entire teams while streamlining your work. It’s transparent. Get a 360 view across all of your organizations with custom dashboards. It’s syncable. Wrike's 400+ app integrations make it possible to integrate hundreds of apps into one central hub.  It’s safe. A digital project management software can safeguard your data by enforcing rules and encryption key ownership. Ready to upgrade your project planning methods and tools? Check out Wrike’s two-week free trial for some more goal-achieving features. 

What Is The Pomodoro Technique and How Does it Work?

Endless tasks and expectations from colleagues and employers can make getting things done hard. There’s always something else to add to your to-do list and, as that list grows, it starts to feel like there’s never enough time to do it all. Productivity hacks can seem gimmicky and semi-helpful at best. But what if there was a time management strategy that could help you tackle your to-do list, meet others’ expectations, and help you feel more productive and balanced?  That’s where the Pomodoro Technique comes in. This popular time management strategy can help you better plan your workload, overcome distractions, and check tasks off your list. And it doesn’t require working overtime or jamming more work into your day. Instead, it encourages frequent breaks in between stints of work. Perhaps one of the best aspects about it is that it’s easy to use.  We’re here to help you make your workdays better and more productive. In this guide, we’re breaking down the Pomodoro method — how to use it, why it works, and its advantages and disadvantages. And don’t worry, we’ll cover what Pomodoro means while we’re at it. Add reading this guide to your list of to-dos for today, and let’s get started.  What is the Pomodoro Technique? The Pomodoro Technique is a productivity or time management method created in the early 1990s by Francesco Cirillo.  A university student at the time, Cirillo struggled to focus and get his assignments done. Feeling overwhelmed, he realized he needed to try a new way of working and held himself accountable for committing to 10 minutes of focused time while studying. As he committed to the challenge, he found a tomato-shaped timer (you guessed it, Pomodoro is “tomato” in Italian), and the Pomodoro Technique was born. Cirillo wrote an entire book about the Pomodoro Technique, but the gist of it is simple. The method encourages short bursts of manageable chunks of work with breaks built in between. With this method, you work for 25-minutes sessions separated by five-minute breaks. After every four or five Pomodoros (think of these as work sessions), you indulge in a more extended break for 15-20 minutes. With a sense of urgency built into it, the method forces you to think through your to-do list and eliminate distractions while progressing on your tasks for a limited amount of time. And you can eliminate distractions knowing that you have breaks built into your day to look forward to. Let’s start by understanding what exactly the word “Pomodoro” means and where it came from. What does Pomodoro mean? Pomodoro quite literally means “tomato” in Italian. But what does a tomato have to do with time management?  Like we mentioned earlier, Cirillo used a tomato-shaped timer to help him manage his focused work time. He later named his famous technique after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer that helped him do his best work.  When we talk about the Pomodoro Technique, a Pomodoro also refers to one 25-minute focused work session. You’ll use a timer to work for one Pomodoro. Get it? Don’t worry — we’ll walk you through the nitty-gritty of how to use the Pomodoro Technique next.  How to use the Pomodoro Technique One of the best parts of the Pomodoro Technique is that it’s super simple to use without any training. Depending on who you ask, these steps may vary slightly. But that’s one of the best parts about the method — you can customize it.  Here’s how Cirillo’s Pomodoro method works: 1. Make a list of the tasks you need to accomplish To make the best use of your Pomodoro sessions, consider starting your day by creating a to-do list and outlining the tasks you need to accomplish. Don’t panic if your list becomes lengthy! Remember, you’re going to split up your work so that it’s more manageable throughout the day. You just need to make a note of what you need to accomplish today.  Tip: When you make a list of your tasks, think about how much time you need to complete each task. For example, one task might take you a full 25-minute Pomodoro. Or you might have three short tasks that you can group during one Pomodoro. Write down how many minutes each task will take. That way, you can pair up tasks that will take less than 25-minutes to complete. Your estimations don’t have to be perfect, but you want to avoid having gaps of time to fill or going past time during your Pomodoro sessions. 2. Set a timer for 25 minutes You don’t have to mimic Cirillo exactly and use a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, but to live the complete Pomodoro Technique experience, give a real timer a try. It doesn’t matter if you use a virtual or physical timer; any will do. Here are a few options to choose from when selecting a Pomodoro Technique timer: Pomodoro tomato timer Online tomato timer Focus Keeper app Pomodoro Timer Lite app The timer you use doesn’t need to be overly cumbersome or have any fancy capabilities, so don’t get caught up in the details. Keep it simple to make it most effective.  3. Focus on your tasks until the timer goes off This is the tricky part. Once you’ve set your timer, you need to work on the task or tasks you’ve chosen for 25 minutes without any interruptions throwing you off track. Combating distractions is no easy feat, and it may take practice to nail this step.  Tip: If possible, alert those around you when you’re using the Pomodoro method. This can help reduce interruptions and external distractions.  If you find yourself with spare time during a Pomodoro and aren’t sure what to focus on, Cirillo recommends taking advantage of the opportunity for overlearning. Use the time to make improvements and tidy up your work, reflect on the tasks you completed, or make a note of what you’ve learned until the timer goes off. Use the 25 minutes as best you can and avoid starting your break early if possible. 4. Enjoy a short break for five minutes You made it! Time is up and you can enjoy a break for five minutes or so. Consider using this time to use the restroom, grab a snack, or fill up your water bottle. Give your eyes a break and try to limit screen time if you can. Get up and stretch your legs or move your body around. Taking care of your well-being will help you stay motivated throughout the remainder of the day. 5. Repeat steps the first four steps Are you getting the hang of it? Rinse and repeat the above steps. After you’ve completed four Pomodoros, skip step four and jump straight to step six. 6. After every four or five Pomodoros, enjoy a more extended break You’ve earned it! Enjoy a longer, restorative break this time. Take 15-20 minutes to rejuvenate yourself. Maybe it’s time for breakfast or lunch. Or perhaps you want to spend a few minutes outside in the sun. Whatever the case may be, use your break wisely and prepare to jump into more Pomodoros after the break. That’s it. The Pomodoro Technique is an easy-to-use system, which means there isn’t much of a learning curve to start using it to your advantage. Does the Pomodoro Technique work? It sounds simple, right? That means you might be asking yourself whether the Pomodoro method truly works or not.  Reviews of the method spread amongst the internet suggest that many have seen success when using the technique. One person found that the Pomodoro Technique was a great solution for monotonous tasks on the to-do list. Knowing that they only needed to work on a task for 25 minutes encouraged them to get started on those dreaded, tedious to-do’s. Another person found success using the Pomodoro Technique and later adapted the method to fit their specific needs. The Pomodoro Technique helped them define a practice of self-discipline to expand on and boost productivity.  But what is it about the Pomodoro Technique that makes it work? Studies suggest that brief mental breaks help keep you focused. Frequent distractions rob us of productivity at work, but the Pomodoro method helps eliminate distractions for more focus in the workplace.  As with any time management strategy, what works best for some may not work well for others. Give the Pomodoro Technique a try and tailor it to your individual needs to ensure it has the most payoff for you.  The advantages and disadvantages of the Pomodoro method As with any time management strategy, the Pomodoro Technique has both benefits and drawbacks to consider before experimenting with it. Let’s take a look at both, starting with the advantages. Advantages of the Pomodoro Technique Break the habit of multitasking  When you follow the Pomodoro Technique, you’ll break the habit of multitasking. While multitasking might seem like a great way to get more done, it’s distracting and actually hinders your productivity. With the Pomodoro method, your goal is to dedicate your focus to any given task at hand — and save the rest of the items on your to-do list for another Pomodoro.  Reduce or prevent feelings of burnout Looking at your neverending to-do list can feel overwhelming and stressful, and working through that list without a strategic plan in place can cause feelings of burnout. The Pomodoro Technique not only encourages frequent breaks but it builds them directly into your schedule for you. You can reduce or prevent stress and burnout by taking full advantage of your breaks when you have them. Reduce procrastination We all procrastinate now and then, but the Pomodoro Technique ignites a sense of urgency in the day, which reduces or eliminates procrastination. There isn’t any time to scroll through your favorite social media platform, grab another snack, stare out the window, or engage in another distraction when you know you only have 25 minutes to complete a task. (Don’t beat yourself up — we’re all guilty of these things!) Disadvantages of the Pomodoro Technique Some tasks take more than 25 minutes  The Pomodoro method is said to be beneficial for tasks like writing, coding, and studying. It also comes in handy when needing to work through some monotonous to-dos like cleaning out your inbox or digging into some administrative items. But some tasks are bound to take more than 25 minutes to complete, which means the Pomodoro Technique may not always work for every type of project or task. If you’re in the middle of a project and are in a solid flow state, you might want to keep working past the 25-minute timer mark, which will interrupt all subsequent Pomodoro scheduling. You know your work styles and productivity best, so you’ll be in charge of making the judgment call on whether you need to work past the timer’s buzz.  Meetings could interfere with your Pomodoro planning  The Pomodoro method sounds particularly beneficial to those who have full control over their schedules. But many career professionals are bound to be interrupted by planned and unexpected meetings. Your meeting schedule could interfere with how you plan your Pomodoros or could interrupt you in the middle of a Pomodoro session.  Every time management strategy comes with advantages and disadvantages, and no method is guaranteed to be one-size-fits-all. Since the Pomodoro method is easy and comes without cost, consider giving it a try to see if it works for you. Remember, you can always tweak it to suit you best.  How to use Wrike to plan your Pomodoros  To set yourself up for success when using the Pomodoro Technique, you’ll want to have a to-do list prepared. A project management tool like Wrike can help you organize your tasks so that you can dive right into your Pomodoros (without wondering what you should start with).  With Wrike, you can: Manage and prioritize your work Use templates to organize and break your projects down into manageable tasks Track your time to understand how you’re spending it Manage workloads with resource management capabilities  You’re on your way to a more productive workday. Start your free trial of Wrike and begin planning your Pomodoros today.

Moore’s Law and the Productivity Problem

As the year draws to a close, developing strategies for how to be more productive and finish the year off strong is on every team’s mind — regardless of department or industry.  According to a study by California-based management platform Redbooth, the month of the year that we are at our most productive is October, followed by November, then September. The fall provides a feeling of a new start for many businesses, with the desire for shiny new productivity tools and aids bringing us back to our school days. But, while a new pencil case or a multi-colored pen can work wonders, today’s organizations are looking to much more sophisticated tools to boost their productivity. Note-taking apps, instant messaging platforms, virtual to-do lists, calendar tools — our desktops are overflowing with software designed to make us our most productive selves. But, with so many conflicting apps clouding our vision, it can often be difficult to get anything done at all.  So, why are we so inclined to constantly invest in new technology, believing it will exponentially increase our productivity levels? This concept is commonly referred to as Moore’s Law, and it’s important to understand it if you’re concerned about your team’s or your own productivity levels. What is Moore’s Law? Let’s start off with a simple enough question: what is Moore’s Law? The origins of Moore’s Law lie in IT and computer hardware. It is the principle that the speed and efficiency of a computer can be expected to double every two years, while the cost decreases by half. Moore’s Law is named after Gordon E. Moore, the co-founder of Intel, who made this observation of exponential growth in 1965.  You will have no doubt experienced Moore’s Law for yourself over the last decade, as the need to purchase a new phone or laptop normally begins to creep up every two years or so. While the technical capabilities of your gadget will have grown hugely, the price largely remains standard. We then begin to fall into a cycle of purchasing new technology as a habit, stretching our view to include phones, computers, exercise aids, entertainment systems, and, yes, productivity tools. Moore’s Law and endless productivity tools Of course, Moore’s Law has huge benefits for the technologically-driven society that we live in. The standards of the technology that we rely on can even be linked to Moore’s Law. The overarching idea of Moore’s Law — that speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of technology is constantly evolving at a rapid pace — could apply to productivity tools and solutions. The need to update and reinvest in the ever-growing ecosystem of productivity tools and software every few years sees many teams losing themselves to too many apps.  In 2015, the average number of cloud applications per company was 73. In 2020, that number had increased to 163. So much so, that 56% of IT executives are now reporting having to use manual spreadsheets to keep track of all their SaaS apps — defeating their productivity goals before they’ve even started. This concept is commonly known as ‘SaaS sprawl,’ a term that refers to the dilemma of an organization’s tech stack being so expansive that it becomes unmanageable and causes visibility problems across departments. $40 billion is estimated to be spent on unused software each year, and the number of apps we are downloading continues to rise.  Many teams believe themselves to be more productive than ever, when really, spending so much time flicking between apps, tools, and software stifles creativity and raises burnout to an all-time high. How your team can effectively invest in productivity If your organization has fallen foul to overindulgence in productivity tools and gadgets, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to empower your teams and teach them how to be more productive without overwhelming themselves with dozens of productivity platforms.  Consider toxic productivity The concept of toxic productivity relates to an unattainable desire for increased productivity, at the expense of other priorities, such as family or health. Toxic productivity is a real issue for many teams, especially if both our personal and work devices are overrun with technology that is constantly drawing us back to working mode. Consider whether your team could benefit from a digital detox of work-related technology, and set boundaries for after-hours work communication. Turn your attention to other methods of increasing productivity There are plenty of ways to increase productivity and wellbeing at work that have nothing to do with technology. For example, has your organization invested in a flexible work structure, allowing employees to choose where they work best? Could your business go the extra mile and trial a four-day workweek? Could your employee recognition programs use some extra love? These are all areas to consider when brainstorming how to be more productive across the board. Making the most of all-in-one technology like Wrike Of course, technology will always be a cornerstone of a successful business, and continuing to use productivity tools in some way at work is non-negotiable. But which tools should you invest in? What are the most important features of work management software that can actually increase productivity by up to 40%? Workflow automation: With Wrike’s custom request forms and automated task assignment, your team will never miss important tasks and details because of a cluttered workspace. App integration: Using so many apps can be tiresome and inefficient, with details and updates often being missed by team members. Wrike’s work management includes over 400 app integrations, so the constant context switching can stop. Single source of truth: Trawling through emails and messaging apps to find important documents and updates is time-consuming and frustrating for teams. Keeping everything organized in one centralized hub, where users can comment, edit, and give feedback, is a life-saver for teams who wish to be more productive. Collaborative features: Whether your team works in-office, remotely, or under a hybrid model, breakdowns in communication are one of the most common challenges to successful projects. Wrike’s collaborative features, including @mentions, real-time editing, and email and chat app integrations means that your team all have the same view, no matter where they are. Want to know more about how Wrike can boost your team’s productivity? Try out a free two-week trial today.

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Prioritization templates

With Miro's prioritization templates collection, decide on the problem you and your team are trying to solve, agree on a process, and then put it into action in a collaborative way. Use one of the many prioritization frameworks and move projects forward.

The Agile Manifesto - Pocket Sized Principles

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Kanban Boards, Agile Methodology, Agile Wokflows

The Agile Manifesto - Pocket Sized Principles template distills the core principles of agile methodology into a concise and actionable format. By providing a visual reference, this template reinforces agile values and principles, guiding teams towards collaborative, adaptive, and customer-centric practices. This template serves as a reminder of agile principles and encourages teams to embody these principles in their daily work.

Kanban Framework Template

Kanban Boards, Agile Methodology, Agile Workflows

Optimized processes, improved flow, and increased value for your customers — that’s what the Kanban method can help you achieve. Based on a set of lean principles and practices (and created in the 1950s by a Toyota Automotive employee), Kanban helps your team reduce waste, address numerous other issues, and collaborate on fixing them together. You can use our simple Kanban template to both closely monitor the progress of all work and to display work to yourself and cross-functional partners, so that the behind-the-scenes nature of software is revealed.

121 Kanban template streamlines task management by providing a structured framework for prioritization and execution. It encourages a focused approach to task completion by limiting work in progress (WIP) and promoting collaboration between team members. With clear visualization of tasks and progress, teams can maintain workflow balance and deliver high-quality results efficiently.

Kanban Successful Evolutionary Change

Kanban Successful Evolutionary Change template guides organizations through the process of implementing Kanban methodology for gradual and sustainable workflow improvement. By emphasizing incremental changes and continuous feedback, this template fosters a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. Teams can visualize their workflow, identify bottlenecks, and implement changes iteratively, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.

Kanban Calendar

Kanban Calendar template enhances workflow visualization by integrating Kanban principles with time management. It enables teams to plan and track tasks across days, weeks, or months, facilitating efficient resource allocation and timely delivery. With customizable features and intuitive design, this template empowers teams to optimize their workflow and meet project deadlines effectively.

Kanban Planner 2024 Week & Month

KANBAN Planner 2024 Week & Month template provides a flexible framework for planning and managing tasks on a weekly and monthly basis. By organizing tasks by priority and deadlines, teams can optimize their workflow and ensure timely delivery of projects. This template fosters transparency and accountability, enabling teams to collaborate effectively and achieve their goals efficiently.

Idea Funnel Backlog

Design, Brainstorming, Agile Workflows

An Idea Funnel Backlog enables you to visualize your backlog and restrict the number of backlogged items at the top. In doing sos, you can prioritize items on your list without having to engage in unnecessary meetings or create too much operational overhead. To use the Idea Funnel Backlog, break up the funnel into different phases or treat it like a roadmap. Use the Idea Funnel Backlog as a hybrid model that combines your roadmap and backlog into one easily digestible format.

Conversion Funnel Backlog Template

Decision Making, Product Management, Prioritization

If you’re working on a product that has clear conversions, then it can help to structure your backlog around the conversion funnel to make sure you’re reaching your audience. Creating a conversion funnel backlog brings together information around potential pain-points in your funnel and opportunities for growth. Once you’ve identified that information, it becomes easier to prioritize. You and your team can use the conversion funnel backlog to focus on conversion, retention, and referral, or to tweak your workflow in more mature products.

Fibonacci Scale Template

Agile Methodology, Prioritization, Agile Workflows

When you manage a team, you often have to estimate how much time and effort tasks will take to complete. Try what often works for Agile teams all over the world: Turn to the Fibonacci Scale for guidance. Based on the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the summation of the two previous numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, etc.), this template can help you build timelines like a champ—by helping make sure that work is distributed evenly and that everyone is accurate when estimating the work and time involved in a project.

Scrum Task Tracker (with CSV export)

Scrum Task Tracker template combines Kanban and Scrum methodologies to enhance project management and tracking. With features like CSV export, teams can capture and analyze task data for insights into performance and improvement areas. This template fosters transparency and accountability, enabling teams to track sprint progress, identify blockers, and adapt their approach to maximize efficiency and deliver value consistently.

2x2 Prioritization Matrix Template

Operations, Strategic Planning, Prioritization

Ready to set boundaries, prioritize your to-dos, and determine just what features, fixes, and upgrades to tackle next? The 2x2 prioritization matrix is a great place to start. Based on the lean prioritization approach, this template empowers teams with a quick, efficient way to know what's realistic to accomplish and what’s crucial to separate for success (versus what’s simply nice to have). And guess what—making your own 2x2 prioritization matrix is easy.

Product Roadmap Template

Product Management, Roadmaps

Product roadmaps help communicate the vision and progress of what’s coming next for your product. It’s an important asset for aligning teams and valuable stakeholders – including executives, engineering, marketing, customer success, and sales – around your strategy and priorities. Product roadmapping can inform future project management, describe new features and product goals, and spell out the lifecycle of a new product. While product roadmaps are customizable, most contain information about the products you’re building, when you’re building them, and the people involved at each stage.

Project Timeline Template

Project Management

The Project Timeline Template simplifies project management. Illustrating tasks, milestones, and deliverables on a calendar visually shows teams a project's progression. One of its standout benefits is its ability to foster clarity. With this template, project milestones are translated into an easily digestible format, enabling team members to quickly comprehend the entirety of the project's scope and sequence, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing potential misunderstandings.

PI Planning Template

Agile Methodology, Strategic Planning, Software Development

PI planning stands for “program increment planning.” Part of a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), PI Planning helps teams strategize toward a shared vision. In a typical PI planning session, teams get together to review a program backlog, align cross-functionally, and decide on the next steps. Many teams carry out a PI planning event every 8 to 12 weeks, but you can customize your planning schedule to fit your needs. Use PI planning to break down features, identify risks, find dependencies, and decide which stories you’re going to develop.

Business Model Canvas Template

Leadership, Agile Methodology, Strategic Planning

Your business model: Nothing is more fundamental to who you are, what you create and sell, or ultimately whether or not you succeed. Using nine key building blocks (representing nine core business elements), a BMC gives you a highly usable strategic tool to develop and display your business model. What makes this template great for your team? It’s quick and easy to use, it keeps your value proposition front and center, and it creates a space to inspire ideation.

SWOT Analysis Template

Decision Making, Strategic Planning, Prioritization

When you’re developing a business strategy, it can be hard to figure out what to focus on. A SWOT analysis helps you hone in on key factors. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors, like your employees, intellectual property, marketing strategy, and location. Opportunities and threats are usually external factors, like market fluctuations, competition, prices of raw materials, and consumer trends. Conduct a SWOT analysis whenever you want to explore opportunities for new businesses and products, decide the best way to launch a product, unlock your company’s potential, or use your strengths to develop opportunities.

SMART Goals Template

Prioritization, Strategic Planning, Project Management

Setting goals can be encouraging, but can also be overwhelming. It can be hard to conceptualize every step you need to take to achieve a goal, which makes it easy to set goals that are too broad or too much of a stretch. SMART is a framework that allows you to establish goals in a way that sets you up for success. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. If you keep these attributes in mind whenever you set goals, then you’ll ensure your objectives are clear and reachable. Your team can use the SMART model anytime you want to set goals. You can also use SMART whenever you want to reevaluate and refine those goals.

Target Audience Template

Marketing, Desk Research, Prioritization

Understanding your target audience is vital to business success. How can you market yourself effectively if you don’t know who you’re targeting? Using the Target Audience template, you can review valuable data about who your customers are and what they want from your product or service.

Eisenhower Matrix Template

Leadership, Strategic Planning, Prioritization

Have an overwhelming list of to-dos? Prioritize them based on two key factors: urgency and importance. It worked for American president Dwight D. Eisenhower, and it can work for you—this decision-making framework will help you know where to start and how to plan your day. With our template, you can easily build an Eisenhower Matrix with a quadrant of key areas (Do, Schedule, Delegate, and Don’t Do) and revisit it throughout the day as your priorities change.

Priority Matrix Template

Business Management, Strategic Planning, Prioritization

If you need a little more than a basic to-do list, then you’d probably benefit from a Priority Matrix. The Priority Matrix template is designed to help you determine which tasks are critical so you can focus on the most urgent needs. In a 2x2 matrix, input your priorities based on whether they must be completed with high or low urgency and are of high or low importance. Applicable to project management and personal management alike, use the Priority Matrix template to improve business processes, create efficiency, remove blockers, and reduce operational waste.

Impact/Effort Matrix Template

Project Management, Strategic Planning, Prioritization

Growing organizations have countless to-do’s and only so many hours in a day (or weeks before a big launch) to get them done. That’s where an impact effort matrix comes in. It gives you a quick visual guide to help prioritize your tasks and know exactly what’s worth doing. Using our template, you can create a matrix that organizes your activities into four main categories: quick wins that are low effort, effort-intensive projects that provide long-term returns, fill-ins that are low effort but low value, and time-wasters.

How Now Wow Matrix Template

Ideation, Product Management, Prioritization

There are no bad ideas in a brainstorm — but some are more original and easier to implement. The How Now Wow matrix is a tool that helps you identify and organize those great ideas, as well as reinvigorates your team to think creatively and take risks (a taller order as you scale). Grab this template to create your own matrix, then rank the ideas you generated in a brainstorm as “How” (difficult to implement), “Now” (easy to implement), or “Wow” (both original and easy to implement).

Action Priority Matrix Template

You and your teammates probably have more ideas than resources, which can make it difficult to prioritize tasks. Use an Action Priority Matrix to help choose the order in which you will work on your tasks, allowing you to save time and money and avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary work. An Action Priority Matrix is a simple diagram that allows you to score tasks based on their impact and the effort needed to complete them. You use your scores to plot each task in one of four quadrants: quick wins, major projects, fill-ins, and thankless tasks.

Outcome Mapping Template

Diagrams, Mapping, Project Management

Use Miro’s outcome mapping template to improve your operational efficiency. Outcome mapping will help you visualize all the possible strategic outcomes for your upcoming project, allowing you to see into the black box to identify any potential challenges along the way.

3x3 Prioritization Method Template

Operations, Prioritization, Strategic Planning

It’s all about assessing a task or idea, and quickly deciding the effort it will take and the potential impact it will have—ranked low, medium, or high. That’s what the 3x3 prioritization method does: Help teams prioritize and identify quick wins, big projects, filler tasks, or time-wasters. With nine bucket areas, it offers slightly greater detail than the 2x2 Prioritization Matrix (or Lean Prioritization Method). It’s easy to make your own 3x3 prioritization matrix—then use it to determine what activities or ideas to focus on with your valuable resources.

Scope of Work Template

Project management, Planning

The Scope of Work Template from Miro brings structure, clarity, and efficiency to project planning. It's more than just a template—it's an adaptable and dynamic platform that adapts to your unique project needs. Join thousands of satisfied users and make the Scope of Work Template a part of your project management toolkit.

Tier List Template

A Tier List Template is a ranking tool that allows teams to organize different items into specific categories, or "tiers," based on their significance, quality, or performance. This template is a visual tool that aids in making decisions and prioritizing tasks. Use it to power your brainstorming, strategic meetings, and planning.

Checklist Template

Project Management, Task Management

The Checklist Template is designed to organize and track tasks visually, offering workflow clarity. A key benefit of using this template is its potential to amplify collaboration, ensuring that all team members remain aligned and informed, paving the way for efficient project completion.

PRD Template

Product Development, Product , Management

The PRD Template by Miro is a blueprint designed to streamline the product development process. Acting as a central hub for all essential details, this template ensures team alignment by laying out clear project objectives, use cases, and design specifics. The primary benefit? Seamless communication and clarity, reducing the likelihood of missteps and fostering a smooth transition from idea conception to product launch.

Decision Matrix Template

Strategy & Planning

The Decision Matrix Template is an intuitive visual tool for structuring and evaluating multiple choices against distinct criteria. Presenting options in a comparative layout helps distill complex decisions into a digestible format.

Strategic Group Mapping Template

Mapping, Strategy

The Strategic Group Mapping Template is a cutting-edge visual tool designed to translate the competitive landscape of their industry. By allowing users to plot entities based on distinct criteria, this template provides an at-a-glance view of market dynamics. One standout benefit of using this tool is its ability to identify clusters of competitors and market gaps, paving the way for businesses to strategically position themselves for optimal success.

Pugh Matrix Template

Strategy, Planning

The Pugh Matrix Template is a powerful tool that enhances your decision-making process. It enables you to systematically compare and evaluate multiple options, leading to more informed and objective decisions. Using this template, you streamline your decision-making process, identify the best alternatives, and ultimately achieve better outcomes.

Innovation Matrix Template

Strategic Planning

Visualize the best way to grow your business with this Innovation Matrix template. It’ll show you how to streamline your innovation, make the right decisions about which areas of your business to innovate, and manage the entire process. So if you want to figure out the best way to innovate in your business, an innovation matrix can help.

MoSCoW Matrix Template

Ideation, Operations, Prioritization

Keeping track of your priorities is a big challenge on big projects, especially when there are lots of deliverables. The MoSCoW method is designed to help you do it. This powerful technique is built on a matrix model divided into four segments: Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, and Won’t Have (which together give MoSCoW its name). Beyond helping you assess and track your priorities, this approach is also helpful for presenting business needs to an audience and collaborating on deliverables with a group of stakeholders.

Kano Model Template

Desk Research, Product Management, Prioritization

When it comes down to it, a product’s success is determined by the features it offers and the satisfaction it gives to customers. So which features matter most? The Kano model will help you decide. It’s a simple, powerful method for helping you prioritize all your features — by comparing how much satisfaction a feature will deliver to what it will cost to implement. This template lets you easily create a standard Kano model, with two axes (satisfaction and functionality) creating a quadrant with four values: attractive, performance, indifferent, and must-be.

STAR Technique Template

Strategic Planning, Prioritization

Find out how to use the STAR interview method to identify the best candidate for the role. Interviewees can also use the STAR technique to prepare detailed and thorough responses during the interview.

Bull's Eye Diagram Template

Diagrams, Project Management, Prioritization

When you’re a growing organization, every decision can feel like it has make-or-break consequences—which can lead to decision paralysis, an inability to prioritize, inefficient meetings, and even low morale. If that sounds like you, put a Bull’s Eye Diagram to work. True to its name, a Bull’s Eye Diagram uses a model of concentric circles to help companies establish priorities, make critical decisions, or discuss how to remove or overcome obstacles.

RICE Prioritization Template

Teams use the RICE framework to prioritize the best course of action for their business. Using the model, you assign a RICE score to different ideas and tasks. This score tells you whether that item is something to prioritize. As a result, you make better-informed decisions about growing your business.

Synoptic Table Template

Brainstorming

Reduce complexity and bring clarity to your teamwork with the Synoptic Table Template by Miro. Break down abstract concepts into clear, manageable components.

Jobs to be Done template

Ideation, Design Thinking, Brainstorming

It’s all about a job done right — customers “hire” a product or service to do a “job,” and if it's not done right, the customer will find someone to do it better. Built on that simple premise, the Jobs To Be Done (JTBD) framework helps entrepreneurs, start-ups, and business managers define who their customer is and see unmet needs in the market. A standard job story lets you see things from your customers’ perspective by telling their story with a “When I…I Want To…So That I …” story structure.

Ansoff Matrix Template

Leadership, Operations, Strategic Planning

Keep growing. Keep scaling. Keep finding those new opportunities in new markets—and creative new ways to reach customers there. Sound like your approach? Then this template might be a great fit. An Ansoff Matrix (aka, a product or market expansion grid) is broken into four potential growth strategies: Market Penetration, Market Development, Product Development, and Diversification. When you go through each section with your team, you’ll get a clear view of your options going forward and the potential risks and rewards of each.

Pyramid Diagram Template

A pyramid diagram is a perfect tool for demonstrating concepts that can be broken down into a layered hierarchy. Each level of the pyramid builds on the one before it, clearly illustrating how certain actions lead to specific results. The Miro Pyramid Diagram template is your tool for any and all pyramid illustrations.

Cynefin Framework Template

Leadership, Decision Making, Prioritization

Companies face a range of complex problems. At times, these problems leave the decision makers unsure where to even begin or what questions to ask. The Cynefin Framework, developed by Dave Snowden at IBM in 1999, can help you navigate those problems and find the appropriate response. Many organizations use this powerful, flexible framework to aid them during product development, marketing plans, and organizational strategy, or when faced with a crisis. This template is also ideal for training new hires on how to react to such an event.

Mitch Lacey's Estimation Game Template

Leadership, Agile Methodology, Prioritization

A wordy name but a simple tool, Mitch Lacey’s Estimation Game is an effective way to rank your work tasks by size and priority — so you can decide what to tackle first. In the game, notecards represent your work items and feature ROI, business value, or other important metrics. You’ll place each in a quadrant (ranking them by size and priority) to help you order them in your upcoming schedule. The game also empowers developers and product management teams to work together and collaborate effectively.

FMEA Analysis Template

When you’re building a business or running a team, risk comes with the territory. You can’t eliminate it. But you CAN identify it and mitigate it, to up your odds of success. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a powerful tool designed to help you manage risk and potential problems by spotting them within a process, product, or system. And you’ll spot them earlier in your process—to let you sidestep costly changes that arise late in the game or, worse, after they’ve impacted your customers and their experience.

Blue Ocean 4 Actions Framework Template

Leadership, Decision Making, Strategic Planning

For entrepreneurs, so much comes down to new users—how to attract them, impress them, and convert them to loyal customers. This template, designed by the authors of Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant, will help you maximize value for you and your customers alike. Using the template’s four steps (divided into easy columns), you’ll easily evaluate your products in more innovative ways and make sure money is being spent in areas that really matter.

Bang for the Buck Template

The name pretty much says it—this Agile framework is all about helping you maximize efficiency by powering collaboration between product managers and dev teams. Together you can go over each to-do on the project agenda and evaluate them in terms of costs and benefits. That way you can prioritize tasks based on how much bang for your buck they deliver. This template is great for teams and organizations that want to make a strategic plan to tackle an upcoming sprint.

SAFe Roam Board

Agile Methodology, Operations, Agile Workflows

A SAFe ROAM Board is a framework for making risks visible. It gives you and your team a shared space to notice and highlight risks, so they don’t get ignored. The ROAM Board helps everyone consider the likelihood and impact of risks, and decide which risks are low priority versus high priority. The underlying principles of SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) are: drive cost-effective solutions, apply systems thinking, assume that things will change, build incrementally, base milestones on evaluating working systems, and visualize and limit works in progress.

Kyrian Strategic Board V1

Kyrian Strategic Board V1 template offers a comprehensive framework for strategic planning and execution. By visualizing goals, strategies, and action plans, teams can align their efforts and track progress towards strategic objectives. With customizable features and intuitive design, this template empowers teams to optimize their strategic planning process and drive meaningful results.

Goal Tracker Template for Small Businesses

Goal Tracker Template for Small Businesses empowers small businesses to set and track their goals effectively. By visualizing goals, milestones, and progress, this template fosters accountability and motivation. With features tailored to small business needs, such as revenue tracking and customer acquisition goals, teams can prioritize initiatives and make data-driven decisions to drive growth and success.

Planning With Purpose

Agile Workflows, Agile Methodology, Kanban Boards

Planning With Purpose template offers a structured approach for setting and achieving goals effectively. By aligning actions with objectives, teams can prioritize tasks and track progress towards desired outcomes. This template fosters clarity and accountability, enabling teams to stay focused on what matters most and adapt their plans as needed to drive success.

Change Canvas

Kanban Boards, Agile MEthodology, Agile Workflows

Change Canvas template empowers teams to manage and visualize change initiatives effectively. By mapping out stakeholders, goals, and actions, teams can ensure alignment and transparency throughout the change process. This template fosters collaboration and communication, enabling teams to navigate change successfully and achieve desired outcomes while minimizing disruption and resistance.

Strategy Presentation Template

Presentations, Strategic Planning

Presenting your strategies is the best way to allow people to understand what the business will be focusing on in the future. Use this Strategy Presentation Template to communicate your strategic thinking and encourage collaboration.

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About the Prioritization Templates Collection

In project management, making informed decisions about what tasks to tackle first can be a game-changer. Miro's prioritization templates collection is designed to help teams streamline their decision-making processes, ensuring that the most critical tasks are addressed promptly. This collection includes various prioritization frameworks, such as the prioritization matrix template and the project prioritization matrix template, which are essential tools for any team looking to optimize their workflow.

Why you'll love our prioritization frameworks

Prioritization frameworks are invaluable for teams aiming to enhance productivity and focus on what truly matters. Here are some key benefits of using Miro's prioritization framework templates:

Clarity and focus : These templates help teams clearly define and visualize their priorities, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Improved decision-making : By using a structured approach, teams can make more informed decisions about which tasks to prioritize.

Enhanced collaboration : The visual nature of these templates fosters better communication and collaboration among team members.

Time efficiency : Streamlining the prioritization process saves time, allowing teams to focus on execution rather than deliberation.

Flexibility : Miro's templates are customizable, making them suitable for various projects and team needs.

How to use the prioritization templates in Miro

Using Miro's prioritization templates is straightforward and can significantly improve your team's workflow. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Select a template : Choose a prioritization framework template that best suits your project needs. Miro offers a range of options, including the prioritization matrix template and the project prioritization matrix template.

Define criteria : Establish the criteria for prioritization. This could include factors such as urgency, impact, effort, and resources required.

List tasks : Compile a comprehensive list of tasks or projects that need prioritization. Ensure that all relevant tasks are included to get a complete overview.

Evaluate tasks : Assess each task against the defined criteria. This step involves scoring or ranking tasks based on their importance and urgency.

Visualize priorities : Use the template to plot tasks on a matrix or chart. This visual representation helps in quickly identifying high-priority tasks.

Review and adjust : Review and adjust the prioritization regularly to ensure it remains aligned with project goals and any changes in circumstances. Adjust priorities as needed.

Execute : Once you have a clear understanding of your priorities, begin executing the tasks in order of importance. This ensures that the most critical tasks are addressed first, leading to more efficient project completion.

Monitor progress : Regularly track the progress of your tasks using the prioritization framework template. This helps in identifying any bottlenecks and making necessary adjustments to stay on track.

Communicate : Keep your team informed about the prioritization and any changes that occur. Effective communication ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.

Review and reflect : After completing the tasks, review the outcomes and reflect on the process. This helps in understanding what worked well and what can be improved for future projects.

How Miro's prioritization templates help teams thrive

Miro's prioritization templates are more than just tools; they are enablers of success. By providing a structured approach to prioritization, these templates help teams to:

Achieve goals faster : By focusing on the most important tasks, teams can achieve their goals more quickly and efficiently.

Enhance team morale : Clear priorities reduce confusion and stress, leading to a more motivated and cohesive team.

Drive innovation : With less time spent on deliberation, teams can dedicate more time to creative and innovative tasks.

Adapt to changes : The flexibility of Miro's templates allows teams to easily adapt to changes in project scope or priorities.

Miro's prioritization templates are essential for any team looking to optimize their workflow and achieve their goals efficiently. By using these templates, teams can ensure that they are always working on the most important tasks, leading to better outcomes and a more productive work environment.

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MoSCoW Prioritization

What is moscow prioritization.

MoSCoW prioritization, also known as the MoSCoW method or MoSCoW analysis, is a popular prioritization technique for managing requirements. 

  The acronym MoSCoW represents four categories of initiatives: must-have, should-have, could-have, and won’t-have, or will not have right now. Some companies also use the “W” in MoSCoW to mean “wish.”

What is the History of the MoSCoW Method?

Software development expert Dai Clegg created the MoSCoW method while working at Oracle. He designed the framework to help his team prioritize tasks during development work on product releases.

You can find a detailed account of using MoSCoW prioritization in the Dynamic System Development Method (DSDM) handbook . But because MoSCoW can prioritize tasks within any time-boxed project, teams have adapted the method for a broad range of uses.

How Does MoSCoW Prioritization Work?

Before running a MoSCoW analysis, a few things need to happen. First, key stakeholders and the product team need to get aligned on objectives and prioritization factors. Then, all participants must agree on which initiatives to prioritize.

At this point, your team should also discuss how they will settle any disagreements in prioritization. If you can establish how to resolve disputes before they come up, you can help prevent those disagreements from holding up progress.

Finally, you’ll also want to reach a consensus on what percentage of resources you’d like to allocate to each category.

With the groundwork complete, you may begin determining which category is most appropriate for each initiative. But, first, let’s further break down each category in the MoSCoW method.

Start prioritizing your roadmap

Moscow prioritization categories.

1. Must-have initiatives

As the name suggests, this category consists of initiatives that are “musts” for your team. They represent non-negotiable needs for the project, product, or release in question. For example, if you’re releasing a healthcare application, a must-have initiative may be security functionalities that help maintain compliance.

The “must-have” category requires the team to complete a mandatory task. If you’re unsure about whether something belongs in this category, ask yourself the following.

If the product won’t work without an initiative, or the release becomes useless without it, the initiative is most likely a “must-have.”

2. Should-have initiatives

Should-have initiatives are just a step below must-haves. They are essential to the product, project, or release, but they are not vital. If left out, the product or project still functions. However, the initiatives may add significant value.

“Should-have” initiatives are different from “must-have” initiatives in that they can get scheduled for a future release without impacting the current one. For example, performance improvements, minor bug fixes, or new functionality may be “should-have” initiatives. Without them, the product still works.

3. Could-have initiatives

Another way of describing “could-have” initiatives is nice-to-haves. “Could-have” initiatives are not necessary to the core function of the product. However, compared with “should-have” initiatives, they have a much smaller impact on the outcome if left out.

So, initiatives placed in the “could-have” category are often the first to be deprioritized if a project in the “should-have” or “must-have” category ends up larger than expected.

4. Will not have (this time)

One benefit of the MoSCoW method is that it places several initiatives in the “will-not-have” category. The category can manage expectations about what the team will not include in a specific release (or another timeframe you’re prioritizing).

Placing initiatives in the “will-not-have” category is one way to help prevent scope creep . If initiatives are in this category, the team knows they are not a priority for this specific time frame. 

Some initiatives in the “will-not-have” group will be prioritized in the future, while others are not likely to happen. Some teams decide to differentiate between those by creating a subcategory within this group.

How Can Development Teams Use MoSCoW?

  Although Dai Clegg developed the approach to help prioritize tasks around his team’s limited time, the MoSCoW method also works when a development team faces limitations other than time. For example: 

Prioritize based on budgetary constraints.

What if a development team’s limiting factor is not a deadline but a tight budget imposed by the company? Working with the product managers, the team can use MoSCoW first to decide on the initiatives that represent must-haves and the should-haves. Then, using the development department’s budget as the guide, the team can figure out which items they can complete. 

Prioritize based on the team’s skillsets.

A cross-functional product team might also find itself constrained by the experience and expertise of its developers. If the product roadmap calls for functionality the team does not have the skills to build, this limiting factor will play into scoring those items in their MoSCoW analysis.

Prioritize based on competing needs at the company.

Cross-functional teams can also find themselves constrained by other company priorities. The team wants to make progress on a new product release, but the executive staff has created tight deadlines for further releases in the same timeframe. In this case, the team can use MoSCoW to determine which aspects of their desired release represent must-haves and temporarily backlog everything else.

What Are the Drawbacks of MoSCoW Prioritization?

  Although many product and development teams have prioritized MoSCoW, the approach has potential pitfalls. Here are a few examples.

1. An inconsistent scoring process can lead to tasks placed in the wrong categories.

  One common criticism against MoSCoW is that it does not include an objective methodology for ranking initiatives against each other. Your team will need to bring this methodology to your analysis. The MoSCoW approach works only to ensure that your team applies a consistent scoring system for all initiatives.

Pro tip: One proven method is weighted scoring, where your team measures each initiative on your backlog against a standard set of cost and benefit criteria. You can use the weighted scoring approach in ProductPlan’s roadmap app .

2. Not including all relevant stakeholders can lead to items placed in the wrong categories.

To know which of your team’s initiatives represent must-haves for your product and which are merely should-haves, you will need as much context as possible.

For example, you might need someone from your sales team to let you know how important (or unimportant) prospective buyers view a proposed new feature.

One pitfall of the MoSCoW method is that you could make poor decisions about where to slot each initiative unless your team receives input from all relevant stakeholders. 

3. Team bias for (or against) initiatives can undermine MoSCoW’s effectiveness.

Because MoSCoW does not include an objective scoring method, your team members can fall victim to their own opinions about certain initiatives. 

One risk of using MoSCoW prioritization is that a team can mistakenly think MoSCoW itself represents an objective way of measuring the items on their list. They discuss an initiative, agree that it is a “should have,” and move on to the next.

But your team will also need an objective and consistent framework for ranking all initiatives. That is the only way to minimize your team’s biases in favor of items or against them.

When Do You Use the MoSCoW Method for Prioritization?

MoSCoW prioritization is effective for teams that want to include representatives from the whole organization in their process. You can capture a broader perspective by involving participants from various functional departments.

Another reason you may want to use MoSCoW prioritization is it allows your team to determine how much effort goes into each category. Therefore, you can ensure you’re delivering a good variety of initiatives in each release.

What Are Best Practices for Using MoSCoW Prioritization?

If you’re considering giving MoSCoW prioritization a try, here are a few steps to keep in mind. Incorporating these into your process will help your team gain more value from the MoSCoW method.

1. Choose an objective ranking or scoring system.

Remember, MoSCoW helps your team group items into the appropriate buckets—from must-have items down to your longer-term wish list. But MoSCoW itself doesn’t help you determine which item belongs in which category.

You will need a separate ranking methodology. You can choose from many, such as:

• Weighted scoring
• Value vs. complexity
• Buy-a-feature
• Opportunity scoring

For help finding the best scoring methodology for your team, check out ProductPlan’s article: 7 strategies to choose the best features for your product .

2. Seek input from all key stakeholders.

To make sure you’re placing each initiative into the right bucket—must-have, should-have, could-have, or won’t-have—your team needs context. 

At the beginning of your MoSCoW method, your team should consider which stakeholders can provide valuable context and insights. Sales? Customer success? The executive staff? Product managers in another area of your business? Include them in your initiative scoring process if you think they can help you see opportunities or threats your team might miss. 

3. Share your MoSCoW process across your organization.

MoSCoW gives your team a tangible way to show your organization prioritizing initiatives for your products or projects. 

The method can help you build company-wide consensus for your work, or at least help you show stakeholders why you made the decisions you did.

Communicating your team’s prioritization strategy also helps you set expectations across the business. When they see your methodology for choosing one initiative over another, stakeholders in other departments will understand that your team has thought through and weighed all decisions you’ve made. 

If any stakeholders have an issue with one of your decisions, they will understand that they can’t simply complain—they’ll need to present you with evidence to alter your course of action.  

Related Terms

2×2 prioritization matrix / Eisenhower matrix / DACI decision-making framework / ICE scoring model / RICE scoring model

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