It isn’t important what industry you are in. It doesn’t matter what project you are going to undertake.
What is important is you find out what it is the client wants.
You must know what and how you are going to provide it.
This article was written with Business Analysts and Consultants in mind.
However, these 8 key points apply to ALL service providers, whether they are in B2B (Business to Business) or B2C (Business to Consumer) business.
Here is a list of obvious questions every good business analyst should know the answer to when starting a project.
1. What is the problem your client has that you hope to solve?
It should be obvious as to why you would ask that question. If you don’t understand what the problem is then you can not help to solve it.
Also, when reading the project requirements, it may not be clear as to what the client actually wants. The scope may only tell you what they would like to see happen. It could, and often times isn’t, focused on what the true issues (Root Cause) are.
2. What is the client doing at present to alleviate or solve the issue?
What has been tried in the past? You must understand what the client is doing in order to understand what must be done.
You don’t want to develop a project plan overview only to have someone tell you it has been tried. Listen to the customer. Find out what they have done. Ask questions while you are listening. On your toes brainstorming so to speak. Listen to what has not worked.
3. Internal and External Resources.
What inside resources will this project be utilizing? What outside resources will be necessary? You will want to determine where your help and team players are coming from.
For example, you may be familiar with most of the IT, but it will be a different ball game if the client wants to outsource.
You may have to make a list of external interactions. Define the company’s strengths and weaknesses. This can be most advantageous.
4. Have you determined a vision for the project?
A business analyst must compare the client’s vision with the one he or she will develop to ensure consistencies and a parallel outlook.
In other words make sure you are on the same path. This is sometimes easier said than done. Communication is the key to success with this question.
Please see the next post for the items No.5 – 8!
