Stop Winging It:: Strategic Planning and Execution for Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Projects

Stop Winging Your ICT Projects and Start Delivering ExcellenceIn the high-stakes world of the built environment, ICT consulting is one of the most technically demanding disciplines. You are designing systems that touch every corner of a building while coordinating with architects, MEP engineers, and contractors. Yet, technical brilliance isn't what saves a project—it’s process discipline. Most consultants struggle not because they lack technical knowledge, but because they are "organizationally fragile." Stop Winging It is the first honest, field-tested manual that bridges the gap between complex technology and successful project outcomes.Written by Norm Lanum, RCDD, this guide moves beyond generic project management to provide a phase-by-phase playbook specifically for Information and Communications Technology. Whether you are battling scope creep, late-stage coordination chaos, or documents that don't survive construction, this book provides the operational backbone you need to protect your reputation and your bottom line. You will go inside the entire project lifecycle—from the first owner conversation to the final system turnover—learning how to navigate the specific hurdles of Division 27 documentation and low-voltage design.Inside this comprehensive field manual, you will discover:The ICT Scoping Matrix: How to define system boundaries and align fees before the first drawing is produced.The Seven-Component Basis of Design: A framework for documenting assumptions that protects you from professional liability.Phase-by-Phase Deliverables: Clear checklists for what belongs in Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), and Construction Documents (CD).Cross-Discipline Coordination: Proactive strategies to manage pathways and spaces before the ceiling grid is locked in.Construction Administration & Commissioning: Tools for managing submittals, RFIs, and closeout to ensure systems perform as designed.QA/QC Discipline: Repeatable processes for checking your work and maintaining a referral-based practice. Stop relying on "trial and error" and start using a system designed for the realities of modern construction. This book is an essential resource for ICT consultants, low-voltage designers, architects, and project managers who want to stop reacting to problems and start leading their projects with confidence. With 16 chapters of actionable advice, Stop Winging It transforms technical talent into consistent, professional excellence.Master the lifecycle of ICT project delivery and build a more profitable, resilient consulting practice today. Read more