Divide and conquer When viewed as a whole, any project can seem daunting. Breaking the project into several smaller parts not only makes it seem more doable but also makes it easier to delegate and/or schedule each component.

I recommend:  Delegation Template Tools can help you determine how best to divvy up a task based on various employees' skill sets. Use Project Management Templates from the Project Agency or various Excel forms from eLounge's eProjects, BusinessArts or Systems2Win to keep track of which tasks you've assigned to which employees. Programs like FranklinCovey's PlanPlus will help you plug everything into to-do lists.

Watch the clock Whether you delegate or do it all yourself, one key to a successful project is keeping each aspect on track.

I recommend:  Assign a time frame to complete component, then use software like TimeWhiz, TimeSheet or Hours (all of which are Palm compatible and can be imported into a spreadsheet or database) so team members can keep track. Use a program like EasyProjects.Net to keep on top of progress, or schedule a weekly touch-base meeting to ensure everyone's on target.

Have a plan B Be on the ball with lists of suppliers, technicians and support staff in case something goes wrong. You'll want to be able to fix the computer, quickly procure new supplies or shift another employee over to fill in if someone runs into trouble.

I recommend:  Head to PMForum, eLounge's eProjects or ProjectSmart, which all have generous communities of project managers around the world community who share expertise and answer questions. Project management software like AtTask, OzGrid and dozens listed on InfoGoal help you monitor all aspects of project management to avoid, or at least fix, snafus.

Be accessible, optimistic and supportive A frazzled, negative attitude is a sure route to project failure. Announce your availability to your team, keep them energized with encouragement, and praise jobs done well.

I recommend:  Humor is a terrific motivator. Check out Despair.com's "demotivational" workplace posters to lighten the mood in your office. Try a Ken Blanchard workshop, video or book for positive leadership tips.

Hire someone you trust do take care of your project management Look for someone that has experience with project management and who has demonstrated results. If you don't need full-time project management, consider a project management consulting company to help you manage from a distance.

I recommend:  PM Solutions can help you with remote project management, as well as management consulting. Business Management Consultants has experienced project managers on hand to assist you.

Train your employees in project management so that everyone is on the same page All employees can benefit from project and time management training to help learn to prioritize tasks. If you send your employees to a seminar, you can be sure that everyone is working from the same knowledge.

I recommend:  The Project Management Institute offers eLearning courses to help employees learn new techniques. Skill Path offers on-site training, so that employees don't even need to leave the office to get the training they need.

Encourage efficiency by giving everyone access to a project collaboration tool Whether you have two people working together on your project or two hundred, it's important that everyone knows where the project stands. Project management software helps everyone to keep track of tasks and deadlines.

I recommend: