Who to hire

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹, 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺, 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲

by Technology

Have you ever hired a “freelancer” for what you thought was interim work, only to discover a compliance nightmare that cost more to fix than the original contract?

That expensive lesson teaches something many business owners do not know: these four workforce terms aren’t interchangeable, and treating them as such can seriously backfire.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿:

→ Interim professionals are usually employees filling temporary gaps, complete with W-2 status and benefits. They’re keeping someone’s seat warm.

→ Temporary workers handle short-term workloads through agencies, typically with basic skills for specific tasks.

→ Freelancers are independent contractors doing project work, often juggling a “day job” along with your work and no insurance or an NDA – leaving your company exposed.

→ Fractional professionals provide high-level expertise on a part-time, long-term basis. They’re strategic partners carrying proper business insurance and looking for sustained relationships.

The cost structures vary dramatically between these options, as do the legal implications. I’ve seen companies pay premium rates for temporary help when what they actually needed was fractional expertise.

What’s equally important is understanding the commitment level. Fractional professionals build deep knowledge of your business over time, while freelancers might prioritize higher-paying opportunities when they arise.

In project management, getting this wrong means missed deadlines, budget overruns, and deliverables that don’t align with expectations. The right fit isn’t just about skill match – it’s about bringing in expertise in the appropriate framework.

stakeholder-blog

Harnessing Stakeholder Engagement: Lessons from Mediation

by Technology

Throughout my experience as a certified mediator, I have come to understand a significant principle: Stakeholders are more inclined to commit to solutions they have actively participated in creating. Mediators do more than merely listen; they guide conversations to ensure that all parties feel respected and involved.

This concept is equally transformative when applied to stakeholder dynamics in project management. By genuinely listening to stakeholders and involving them in the solution development process, one might initially perceive this as relinquishing control. However, in practice, this approach empowers stakeholders, ensuring that the project’s direction aligns with their needs and expectations.

To enhance stakeholder engagement in your projects, consider prioritizing their involvement and insights. What methods do you employ to effectively engage stakeholders? I invite you to share your strategies and experiences.

lawyer-blog

Ever wondered how a lawyer becomes a Project Manager who is great at managing risk?

by Technology

My journey is one where legal thinking meets project risk analysis and mitigation.

As a former practicing lawyer, drafting and litigating contracts was what I was trained to do and, in my opinion, litigators make great contract drafters.

This is what makes me a better Project Manager today, especially when it comes to risk analysis and mitigation.

As lawyers we are trained to predict each and every possible outcome and often what will happen if the risk comes to exist.

Liquidated damages clauses such as two months’ rent and you’re out of your apartment lease before the end of the term, are an example of this. I can foresee potential pitfalls before they become problems and strategize on how to handle them if they do – beforehand.

In project management, this ability translates to proactive risk identification. With the use of a risk register, identifying risks, their likely occurrence and impact can be planned for in terms of mitigation strategy. Although it does happen, it is unusual to have a risk that was completely unpredictable.

One of the biggest risks in projects is bad communication.

Clear communication is vital in both law and project management.

I translate complex ideas into terms that everyone can grasp often translating the end users desires of workflow into technical terms for the software architects and engineers and back again.

This clarity prevents misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page minimizing rework and resulting in client satisfaction. Clients want to be informed of risks and possible mitigation steps and frequently want some say in the plan.

Not all risk is bad, I believe in taking calculated risks or I wouldn’t have changed fields. Being able to make decisions without knowing how things will turn out can be an opportunity.

By combining these legal skills with project management acumen, I’m not just managing projects; I’m safeguarding them.

Let’s talk about how legal insights can drive project success.

tech-strategy

Is your tech strategy preparing your business for tomorrow—or just keeping up with today?

by Technology

Choosing the right software and hardware for your organization is more complex than it initially appears. It’s not just about selecting tools that meet your current needs; it’s about ensuring seamless integration and future-proofing your business operations. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where Software as a Service (SaaS) is increasingly prevalent, businesses must adapt to a constant cycle of updates and subscription models. This creates an environment where technology selection offers both unique opportunities and significant challenges, often requiring strategic adjustments to your existing infrastructure. 

Take, for instance, the implementation of Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions. SSO can be a game-changer for organizations, allowing team members to access all necessary tools and applications with a single set of login credentials. This streamlines the user experience and enhances security by reducing password fatigue and potential vulnerabilities. However, transitioning to an SSO system requires careful planning and consideration of your organization’s current and future tech stack.

When it comes to hardware decisions, the landscape is equally as nuanced. How frequently should your organization update it’s hardware to ensure optimal performance without overspending? Is there value in maintaining a uniform set of devices across the team to drive efficiency, or is there a benefit to allowing device choice based on individual roles and preferences? These considerations are not merely operational; they directly impact employee satisfaction and productivity.

Moreover, the role of strategic project management is vital in navigating these choices. Leveraging the expertise of a fractional project manager can provide the necessary guidance to assess technological needs, negotiate with vendors, and oversee implementation, ensuring that both software and hardware align with the organization’s strategic goals. Risk analysis and stakeholder engagement are critical components of this process, providing a comprehensive approach that balances technical requirements with business objectives.

Keeping ahead of the curve requires more than just making reactive decisions. It involves setting a proactive strategy that considers both current trends and future innovations in technology. Engaging in ongoing education and evaluation helps to anticipate shifts in the tech landscape, allowing your organization to pivot quickly and take advantage of new opportunities.

How do you ensure your tech choices keep your organization ahead of the curve? Let’s discuss strategies that work.

Depositphotos_180181888_L

The Cybersecurity Game

by Technology

🚨 The cybersecurity game is evolving faster than ever! Are you ready to keep up?

This morning, I dove into the future at the IT Brew Cybersecurity Program. We explored cutting-edge threats, AI’s elusive role, and the mind-bending battle with quantum science.

One standout strategy? The security trifecta:
1️⃣ Something you are (biometrics)
2️⃣ Something you know (passwords/PINs)
3️⃣ Something you have (devices)

This layered approach could be our best defense against cloud vulnerabilities.

Deepfakes are no sci-fi plot—they’re a real threat. Imagine this: A junior team member gets tricked into a Zoom meeting with people who appear to be actual co-workers whose likeness and voices were taken off their social media and ends up transferring money. The deepfake threat is real, and AI is reshaping how we handle security.

I left with a backpack full of tech toys, handed out by fish, not phish—and a head full of strategies to help clients prepare. Plus, a network of amazing contacts to follow up with.

🔍 What’s your biggest cybersecurity fear? Share your thoughts and stories below! Thanks Morning Brew IT Brew, Cisco Duo, ThreatLocker and Studio Gather by Tishman Speyer for a great day!