How to Launch a New Product with a Small Staff

You and your staff share a dream. You want to launch a product that will be successful. Together, you have done your research and spent days and weeks in the development phase. You know that what you are about to launch is going to make a huge splash.

But there are so many things to do and too few of you to do them all. How will you manage to get everything done and still make a success of it?

1. Get everyone on board
   The first thing you need to do is make sure that you and your staff are on the same page when it comes to the launch. They need to feel like a part of the team. To do this, impress upon them how important each person’s contribution is. When you’re finished, they should understand that what they do or don’t do will have an impact on the launch.
   Make sure your staff understands that they’ll be putting in some long hours ahead of the launch since there is much to do to make it successful. But don’t be unreasonable. They have commitments outside of work and won’t remain motivated if they must work around the clock.
2. Multitasking
   Your staff will need to multitask in the leadup to the product launch. Very few of them will have a single function that they devote the entire workday to. As the business expands and you hire more employees, your expectations will change. While you are developing a new product, you need your staff to be prepared to handle whatever tasks they might be assigned.
   This means that the person managing the finances might have to answer the phones as well. Or that you, as the owner, will have to manage the human resources function of the business. There is an advantage to this as it gives people the chance to explore new fields of work to which they might not normally have been exposed.
3. Outsourcing
   If you find that your staff is not coping, or if there are specific skills you need on a part-time basis, you should take on a freelancer to relieve the pressure. For example, writing copy for your digital marketing campaign is something a freelance copywriter should do.
   Using part-timers or freelancers gives your staff the chance to focus on the intensive work that goes into the launch. It is better not to overload staff members with tasks that detract from vital tasks.

   

4. Scheduling and productivity
   One of the biggest time wasters in a business is a lack of information. Your staff will be sitting around and doing nothing if they don’t know what is expected of them. It is vital that they know your plans and can perform the necessary tasks. To do this, they need details of what must be done and a deadline.
   Another timewaster is meetings that take a long time and don’t move the process forward. Avoid both these pitfalls by using project management tools that are available online. There are several options available to you, and the best choice will be the one that best suits your needs.
5. Offer incentives
   Something that will motivate staff members to put their all into your launch is an incentive. You can offer them a bonus if the launch is successful. People are inclined to work harder than they usually would if they feel a sense of ownership in the organization.

Your team is only as strong as the weakest member. Play to people’s strengths, encourage and motivate them if you want to see them give you their very best.

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