1. Find a Mentor
Since you may be unfamiliar with how to plan projects, it would be very beneficial to have a mentor with experience in the planning process that can guide you. Finding a mentor who works in a similar field who would benefit from working with you would be ideal because it would give them much more motivation and gratification.

2. Use the Right Computer Programs
There are many software systems out there that are useful when planning events. A few that that everyone should be familiar with are Remember the Milk, Event Bright and Google Docs. These will not only help in keeping you organized, but help all who are involved as well. A couple other recommended software programs are TaskJuggler and dotProject.

3. Make Sure Details are Clarified
Before you begin a task, it is essential to understand what you are trying to accomplish and how you are going to measure your results. If you try to figure these out after getting started, you might find that it is too late. From the very beginning, make sure everyone on your team is clear on every detail.

4. Set Specific Times and Dates for Deadlines
Make sure you do not take on too many responsibilities for yourself. This is probably our biggest area for improvement from what we experienced last semester. Once you do delegate and assign tasks, set deadlines and follow up with each team member in order to ensure the tasks are getting done timely and correctly.

5. Create a Method for Monitoring Progress
Project Mangers are responsible for keeping everyone involved up-to-date. Scheduling regular meetings is one way to accomplish this.

6. Make Sure all Information is Being Documented
In order to make sure everyone is clear about a project’s goals, budget, time frame and any other information, everything must be documented. Documentation is essential for a project’s success in the present and the future.