L arge sign projects can be complicated and can veer off track quickly without proper planning. Just like construction planning, sign projects follow a very similar path. From the initial meeting with the client to the last sign being installed, each step is critical to a successful and profitable project. I would like to say that every sign project I’ve sold went off without a hitch, but I would be lying. However, over the years it did become a little easier when I followed some pretty simple steps. 5 STAGES OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT 1. INITIAL DISCOVERY – HOW SIMPLE QUESTIONS CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING Start every sign project by listening, not necessarily to what the client thinks should happen to solve their sign needs (that can get everyone in trouble), but rather, listen to what the client is really trying to achieve. Do they want the biggest sign on the city skyline, or do they want to create a sense of serenity in their retirement community development? Once you’ve asked the right questions, you and your team will have an understanding of the client’s goals and you can start to work on solutions. The initial discovery phase of the project can be long and complex, so be sure to communicate to your client the importance of not rushing this process. If you are thorough in this first phase, you will avoid costly mistakes and disappointed clients down the line. Start with a call or meeting with the city planner to determine what is permissible in the code. WHILE THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST, HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER DURING THIS MEETING: ► Is what your client trying to achieve permittable? ► Will the permit require a variance? ► Do you need the building’s architectural drawings to determine best mounting methods for permit drawings? ► Does the sign project require sealed engineering drawings? ► Will there be street access for large cranes and lifts? ► Are there any weight restrictions when parking a crane in a street or alleyway? ► Will powerlines need to be removed? ► Will you need street and pavement closure permits? ► Will you need to hire police to direct traffic? ► Will your install team require on-site safety training? ► Will the project require an additional insurance rider? While this might seem like a daunting list, and I am sure I missed an item or two, these are the types of issues that need to be determined before you can start any large sign project. 2. PLANNING THE PROJECT – DETAILS WILL MAKE OR BREAK YOUR JOB’S PROFIT Once you are past the initial discovery phase, you are ready to start to develop a plan on how the project will actually get completed. If you have not done so already, perform a final technical survey of the site. This should be conducted by an experienced installer to ensure the correct details can be communicated to both your design and fabrication team. This will also result in the signs leaving the shop with correct install patterns, mounting clips, and equipment needed to install the signs. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard installers complain about incorrect mounting patterns being sent to job sites, leaving them unable to install the signs. 32 Joe Arenella, founder of SignTracker, offers five planning tips for sign businesses to optimise for successful and highly profitable projects, even if they are really complex Joe Arenella founded two sign shops before launching SignTracker, a software program that helps sign shop owners track their jobs, quote more consistently, and provide their team a birds-eye view into what’s going on in the shop. www.sign-tracker.com INDUSTRY TIPS / JOE ARENELLA, SIGNTRACKER June / July 2023 - Issue 247 www.signlink.co.uk 5 Planning Tips for Projects ▼ In the initial discovery phase it’s important to listen carefully to your customers and ask the right questions
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