So you’re past the point of no return (PPNR) in your Salesforce project. This is despite the fact that you’re working with a good client and your contract doesn’t mention this predicament.
Here are a few options to consider:
Just finish the project
We know it’s common for a client to try and add scope to a project. We call this scope creep, and there are several ways to manage it. The best is usually thanking them for the feedback, slotting it for a future release, and then continuing to finish your project.
The same tactic can be applied in this scenario. The fact that you’re PPNR gives you even more reason to apply this maneuver. After all, your client would be better served if you finished the project, called it an MVP (or beta), and then started working on the next release.
Adjust the project
Remember there were restrictions mentioned in the first email of this series. Extra time and increasing the budget are not available. But you can concede to finish the remaining tasks and focus on the new tasks with the remaining time and budget.
However, it needs to be clearly communicated to the client that they will not receive a completed project. It may be 80% of the way there for project A, and 20% of the way there for project B. And it’s not possible to combine these two to make 100%.
Escalate
If the client is determined to get what they want, then they need to cough up more time and money. And if they cannot do that, you can escalate to someone who can. Eventually you’ll work up to the CEO or equivalent. And if you cannot convince this person, then you can close this option.
But most likely, someone in seniority will do a cost-benefit analysis and determine the next best steps for their interests.
The takeaway
Whichever option you choose to deal with PPNR, as one reader skillfully mentioned to me, “the most important thing is to remain calm and stay professional”.