Most people think of project managers as the individuals in charge of ensuring that a project is completed on time, on budget, and to specific specifications. What many people don’t realize, however, is that there is a growing trend of virtual project managers. Virtual teams who do not work on-site with the rest of the team. While this type of manager has its unique set of advantages and challenges, its role is becoming increasingly important in today’s workplace. If you want a hire but are confused about Skills To Look For When Hiring, don’t be. Extend Your Team is here with worthy specialized project managers at your fingertips.
What Is A Virtual Project Manager?
A Virtual Project Manager is a professional who oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of digital projects remotely. In other words, they manage projects virtually – usually via phone, email, and video conferencing.
A virtual team typically has experience working in digital project management roles and is comfortable working with cross-functional teams spread out across different time zones. They’re excellent communicators and have a deep understanding of project management methodologies and tools.
Considerations Before Hiring A Virtual Project Manager
As the world of work continues to evolve, more and more businesses are turning to remote or virtual teams to help them get the job done. But before you hire a virtual project manager, there are a few things you should consider.
Nature Of Your Project
A virtual project manager can be an excellent asset for large, complex projects that require coordination between multiple team members located in different parts of the world. However, if your project is relatively small and straightforward, you may not need a virtual project manager.
Budget Consideration
Virtual team members typically charge by the hour, so if you have a limited budget, you may want to consider other options. Many virtual teams provide economical services, so research is necessary before making decisions.
Your Expectations
Be clear about what you expect from your virtual project manager. Do you need someone who will be available 24/7? Or someone who can work within specific hours? What level of involvement do you expect? Knowing your expectations upfront will help you find the right virtual project manager for your needs.
How To Become A Virtual Project Manager
There are a few different ways to become a certified virtual project manager. One way is to become certified through the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI offers the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, recognized internationally as the gold standard in project management. To be eligible for PMP certification, you must meet specific requirements, including holding a four-year degree or equivalent and having at least 3 years of project management experience.
Another way to become certified is through the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification offered by PMI. This certification is designed for individuals with little or no project management experience. The CAPM certification requires you to pass an exam and demonstrates your understanding of the basics of project management.
Finally, several other organizations offer project management certifications, including the Association for Project Management (APM) and the International Project Management Association (IPMA). All of these organizations offer certifications that are recognized globally and demonstrate your proficiency in virtual project management.
Reasons for Popularity
There are several reasons why the virtual project management field is gaining popularity, especially among small businesses. Here are a few of the most important benefits:
Ease
Virtual project management can save time and money by eliminating the need for travel. It can also improve communication by providing a centralized platform for all project stakeholders to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Productivity
Virtual project management tools can help to improve productivity by providing users with access to resources and information at any time, from anywhere.
Relationship Building
Virtual project management can help build and maintain strong relationships with clients and team members in different parts of the world.
Flexibility
Virtual project management can be adapted to fit the specific needs of any organization, no matter its size or industry.
Improved Communication
Virtual project management can help improve communication by providing a centralized platform for all project stakeholders to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Employee Satisfaction
With the help of VPM, employee and employer compatibility and satisfaction can be retained. Things That Employees do to Boost Company Growth is a great resource to learn more.
Benefits Of Virtual Project Management
The traditional workforce is changing. 9-5 office hours in a building are no longer the norm. With the rise of technology, more people are working remotely than ever. This means that businesses need to find new ways to manage their projects. Virtual project management is one solution that offers several benefits.
Beneficial To Your Bottom Line
One of the main advantages of virtual project management is that it can save your organization time and money. By eliminating the need for travel, virtual project management can help to reduce expenses and improve efficiency.
Utilize More Talent
Utilizing more talent is one advantage of virtual project management. When businesses are not limited by location, they can tap into a global pool of talent. This allows them to choose the best person for the job, regardless of where they live.
Higher Employee Retention
Another benefit of virtual project management is increased employee retention. Employees allowed to work remotely are more likely to stay with a company for the long term. They also tend to be more productive, having greater control over their work environment.
Increased Output
Finally, virtual project management can lead to increased output. When employees are not bogged down by commute times and office politics, they can focus on their work and be more productive.
Virtual project management is a growing trend that offers businesses many benefits. By utilizing more talent, increasing employee retention, and increasing output, businesses can operate more efficiently and effectively.
Challenges Of Virtual Project Management
This does not imply that there aren’t difficulties with virtual project management. There will always be obstacles to overcome.
Building Or Creating Trust
Trust is essential for any team to function properly, and it can be even more critical in a virtual environment. When team members cannot meet face-to-face, it can be harder to build trust and establish rapport. As a result, project managers need to find ways to build trust virtually. This can be done by being clear and concise in communication, setting expectations, and following through on commitments.
Monitoring And Tracking Progress
It can also be challenging to monitor and track project progress when managing projects virtually. This is because there are often multiple team members working in different locations. As a result, it can be challenging to know where everyone is at in the project and what still needs to be done. Project managers must find ways to stay organized and keep track of task assignments. One way to do this is by using project management software that allows team members to work on tasks simultaneously.
Corporate Culture
Virtual projects can also be complicated by corporate culture. Different companies have different norms and values that may not always mesh well. For example, some companies may have a more relaxed approach to work, while others may be more formal. It is essential for project managers to understand the corporate culture of their team members to manage the project effectively.
Streamlining Process
A slow communication/streamlining process can be challenging when managing a virtual project. This is because there can often be a lot of back-and-forth between team members when they are not in the exact location. As a result, it is essential for project managers to streamline communication as much as possible. One way to do this is using video conferencing or instant messaging instead of email.
Tools For Virtual Project Management
Virtual project management software can help in overcoming these obstacles and maximizing the advantages. These are a few of the tools that assist teams and managers in doing their duties more effectively.
G Suite
G Suite from Google Cloud is all your office software under one roof. Not only does it include email, calendar, and documents, but it also offers a suite of tools specifically designed for project management. These tools include a project dashboard, task management, and file sharing. This makes it easy for team members to collaborate and stay organized.
Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing software that has stepped up as the virtual leader in online communications for virtual project management. With its ability to host online meetings with up to 100 participants, Zoom is an essential tool for virtual teams. It allows team members to communicate and collaborate effectively, regardless of their location.
Project Management Software
Project management software is essential for virtual project management. It allows team members to communicate and collaborate effectively, regardless of their location. There are many different types of project management software available that allow team members to track progress, assign tasks, and share files.
Final Thoughts
Virtual project management is becoming an increasingly popular way to manage projects. The benefits of virtual project management include increased flexibility, cost savings, and improved communication. However, some challenges come with virtual project management. Tools can help virtual project managers overcome these challenges. If you’re considering hiring a virtual project manager for your next project, be sure to do your research and consider all the options before making a decision. At Extend Your Team, we can connect you with the perfect Virtual Project Management team for your needs. Contact us today to learn more!