Overcoming the Impossible: How I Delivered a Critical Project for Flock Freight
In September 2022, I embarked on one of the most challenging projects of my career at Crowd Favorite. The client, Flock Freight, had recently completed a new website with another company but decided to pivot in a different direction. This sudden change meant that a quick reskin of the site was not an option, as essential functionality was custom-programmed and integrated into their proprietary software. The project had a hard deadline of just four weeks, with media purchases already made to promote the new site. The odds were against us, but failure was not an option.
The Challenges We Faced
The project was considered impossible by many, including our internal team, for several reasons:
- Tight Deadline: We had only four weeks to complete the project, with no room for extensions as media promotions were already scheduled.
- Complex Integration: Flock Freight’s services relied heavily on proprietary software, necessitating extensive collaboration to ensure seamless integration.
- Lack of Designs: There were no approved designs at the outset. We had to start from scratch, relying on sketches and evolving ideas provided by the client.
- Limited Collaboration Tools: Due to time constraints, we couldn’t use either company’s collaboration tools, as there wasn’t enough time to complete the legal reviews for access. We had to manage the entire project ad-hoc using a shared spreadsheet.
- Scarce Resources: The project coincided with the holiday season and pre-approved time off, leaving us with a limited pool of available resources.
Strategic Solutions and Key Accomplishments
Despite these challenges, we delivered the project 16% early. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Efficient Team Structuring: I directed six internal resources and, recognizing that the client’s manager lacked experience with such a complex project, I mentored nine client resources through them. This collaboration spanned seven countries and nine time zones, yet we managed to work seamlessly.
- Custom Collaboration Solution: We created a bespoke collaboration framework using a shared spreadsheet, ensuring all team members were on the same page and could track progress in real-time.
- Optimized Workflows: To streamline the process, we developed a detailed workflow that allowed for parallel task execution, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
- Client Engagement: Regular check-ins and updates with the client ensured that their evolving requirements were met promptly and that any issues were addressed immediately.
- Budget Management: Despite the complex requirements and tight deadline, we stayed perfectly within the budget, a testament to our meticulous planning and resource management.
In addition to delivering the project ahead of schedule, we managed to upsell an additional 50% of the original budget on advanced services and secured a 12-month retainer agreement with Flock Freight. This project not only demonstrated our ability to handle high-pressure situations but also reinforced our commitment to delivering excellence, no matter the circumstances.
Conclusion
The Flock Freight project was a true test of our capabilities and a shining example of what can be achieved with strategic planning, effective communication, and relentless determination. By overcoming numerous obstacles and delivering a complex project ahead of schedule, we proved that even the most daunting challenges can be met with success. This experience has further solidified our reputation as a reliable and innovative partner in the industry.