For an experienced project manager, managing a project is easy. With the proper tools, processes and experience in place, overseeing a project from start to finish should be a breeze. There is one variable though, and that is the client. Every client is different and their expectations for the project vary from person to person. Managing your clients is more than half the battle as you navigate through any project.

In order to manage your client’s expectations, you must first understand what their expectations are. The easiest way to do this is to simply ask them. Ask what they want from this project. Ask what indicators of success they would like to see. Then make sure that your reports and final product reflect what they want. There is more than one way to skin a cat, they say, but only one of those ways is what your client wants to see and it’s your job to produce those results. Keeping your client in the loop at all times is another good way to manage their expectations. The fewer surprises that your client is hit with along the way, the more comfortable they will be with the overall project. Keep them updated weekly, bi-monthly, etc so that they always have a good feel as to how well the project is progressing.