[TIPS] Managing a Project: Brainstorming & Doing the Homework

Hosts: Renee Chuichiarelli & Julie Parks
Published: October 21, 2025
Length: ~6 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

💡 Episode Summary

In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer and Heels (Renee & Julie) kick off their new Project Management series. They break down how to confidently launch and manage a project—whether it’s a massive ERP implementation or something more focused like writing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Their secret to getting started? Two simple but essential steps:

1. Brainstorming — Define your project, identify your stakeholders, and get their buy-in early.

2. Doing the Homework — Research your options, analyze internal vs. external solutions, and always widen your perspective when talking to vendors or IT teams.

Whether you’re a trade manager or new to project ownership, this episode gives you a framework to get your next initiative off the ground efficiently and with purpose.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Identify & Scope Clearly: Define what problem your project solves and who benefits from it.

• Get Stakeholder Support: Involve cross-functional teams early to ensure buy-in and alignment.

• Do Your Homework: Explore both internal and external solutions before committing to one.

• Ask the Right Questions: When meeting with vendors or IT, leave time to learn about other potential solutions they offer.

• Think Long-Term: Every small project builds skills for handling larger, enterprise-level challenges.

🧭 FIO (Figure It Out)

👉 Action Item: Find (or assign) a project!
If you’re a team member, ask your boss what challenges need attention and create a small project to address one.
If you’re a leader, assign a project that helps someone on your team build project management skills.
Then share your progress in the Trade Geeks community!

💬 Keep the Conversation Going

Join the conversation on Trade Geeks and tell us:

• What project did you pick or assign?

• What step of the brainstorming or homework process helped you the most?

• Any surprises you found while scoping your project?

👉 Trade Geeks Community

🎧 Credits

Hosts:

• Renee Chiuchiarelli

• Julie Parks

Producer:

• Lalo Solorzano

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New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.

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• Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

• Global Training Center on LinkedIn

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• Trade Geeks Community

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

📩 Want to be on the show or suggest a topic?
Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or DM us on X/Twitter @SimplyTradePod