Starting a New Project

Every single author will tell you the first page is always the most difficult. It's a blank slate, just waiting for you to fill. It can be scary, but it can also be exhilarating. Starting a new Project might feel the same way at first, but Daylite makes it easy.

Whether deliverables for customers or internal initiatives, Daylite helps you execute on your plans by keeping everything in one place.

Starting A New Project

There are a few different ways you can create a new Project in Daylite, depending on where you are in the app.

First let's look at different ways you can start creating a Project, and then we will walk through filling in the details and look at what you can customize.

Starting a New Project from the New Item Button

The first way to start a new Project is to tap either My Projects or All Projects in the Daylite Sidebar.

Select the + button, otherwise known as the New Item button.

Starting a New Project from Contacts

You can create a Project from a new or existing Contact. For example, if you were on the phone with a client and wanted to create a new Project for them, this would link the new Project to the Contact.

Click on People in the Contacts section of the Daylite Sidebar.

Select the Details View, then scroll down to + Add Link.

Select Project from the Link To menu.

Starting a New Project from Email

Email is one of the most common ways a Project starts. It allows you to capture new Projects straight from your inbox, and link the relevant email so you can reference it later from the Project Activity.

If you would like to add an email Contact to Daylite, tap Add to Daylite. This will then change to In Daylite, which indicates that the current email Contact has been successfully added to Daylite.

Tap the New Project button and fill in the details of the Project.

The Project is now linked to this Contact record, and a small hammer icon appears next to the Project. You an view the details of the Project by tapping on it.

Add the Details

Daylite gives you a lot of fields for your Projects. Just remember, you don't have to fill them all at once. Take your time, and fill in only the fields you have the information for. As your Project takes shape, you can fill in more and more details.

Use the information you have now, and as you improve your processes, start using the different fields as needed.

The Basics

• Every Project should have a name, start date, and due date, as well as a description of the Project in the details field.

• You can enter a Keyword and Categories for your Project.

• Assign a Pipeline so it shows up in the Projects Board.

• As your Project moves along, you can change the Status to reflect how far along it is.

• You can delegate this Project to others by clicking the Delegate button.

• Set the Owner of the Project. By default this will show whoever is currently signed in.

• Set Permissions so only certain members of your team or company can access information.

• If you need to capture more information, click Add Field near the bottom of the Project card and add the field you need.

• Be sure to link People and Companies to the Project by tapping Linked Items.

• If you need to capture more information, click add field at the bottom of the project card and add the field you need.

Classifying a Project

Once you have the basics down, it is time to classify the Project. Classifying your Projects is where Daylite sets itself apart. With Categories and Keywords, you can sort, filter, and segment your Projects to learn what kinds of Projects you are managing the most, and determine how to increase your productivity. With Roles you can quickly identify who on your team is responsible for what, and who you should speaking with at a company.

Assign a Category

A Category is the top-level classification. A Project has only one Category, so think about how you want to organize your Projects.

Here are a few examples of how you can categorize your Projects:

• Product or service

  • Personal Coaching

  • Group Training

  • Speaking Event

• Is this for you or a customer?

  • Internal

  • External

• Who owns the Project?

  • Marketing

  • Human Resources

  • Executive team

Assigning Multiple Keywords

Keywords are a more flexible way to classify your Projects. A Project can have as many Keywords as you want, so you can use them for multiple reasons. To add Keywords click on the + button next to Keywords and type the Keyword you want to add.

Here are a few examples of how you can use Keywords to classify your Projects:

• Objectives

  • Website Revamp

  • Customer Acquisition

  • Increasing Customer Satisfaction

• Type of Client

  • Referral

  • Big Contract

  • Family/Friend

• Additional service or product options

  • Additional Photographer

  • 2-week coaching session

  • 2 bedroom

Assigning Roles and Relationships

By assigning a Role and a Relationship to the People or Companies associated with your Project, you can ensure that when it comes time to reach out, you know you are talking to the right person.

To set up Roles and Relationships that are relevant to you, navigate to Settings > Roles and Relationships. You can set up a Person Role, a Company Role, and Relationships.

Wrap Up

With all the details about a Project now in one place, your team has the tools to execute your plans and take your business further. Now you're ready to Organize All The Moving Pieces In A Project, Stop Things Falling Through The Cracks, and Streamline Your Projects.