[TIPS] Managing a Project: Brainstorming & Doing the Homework

Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie Parks Published: October 21, 2025 Length: ~6 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center 💡 Episode Summary In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer and Heels (Renee & Julie) kick off their new Project Management series. They break down how to confidently launch and manage a project—whether it’s a massive ERP implementation or something more focused like writing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Their secret to getting started? Two simple but essential steps: Brainstorming — Define your project, identify your stakeholders, and get their buy-in early. Doing the Homework — Research your options, analyze internal vs. external solutions, and always widen your perspective when talking to vendors or IT teams. Whether you’re a trade manager or new to project ownership, this episode gives you a framework to get your next initiative off the ground efficiently and with purpose. 🧠 Key Takeaways Identify & Scope Clearly: Define what problem your project solves and who benefits from it. Get Stakeholder Support: Involve cross-functional teams early to ensure buy-in and alignment. Do Your Homework: Explore both internal and external solutions before committing to one. Ask the Right Questions: When meeting with vendors or IT, leave time to learn about other potential solutions they offer. Think Long-Term: Every small project builds skills for handling larger, enterprise-level challenges. 🧭 FIO (Figure It Out) 👉 Action Item: Find (or assign) a project! If you’re a team member, ask your boss what challenges need attention and create a small project to address one. If you’re a leader, assign a project that helps someone on your team build project management skills. Then share your progress in the Trade Geeks community! 💬 Keep the Conversation Going Join the conversation on Trade Geeks and tell us: What project did you pick or assign? What step of the brainstorming or homework process helped you the most? Any surprises you found while scoping your project? 👉 Trade Geeks Community 🎧 Credits Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli Julie Parks Producer: Lalo Solorzano Subscribe & Follow: New TIPS episodes every Tuesday. Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. Connect with us: Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! 📩 Want to be on the show or suggest a topic? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on X/Twitter @SimplyTradePod