A Detailed Guide to Using Templates as Building Blocks in Coordinate: Step-By-Step

Embarking on a new project with a client can often be a daunting task. With Coordinate, the process is simplified and organized using templates as building blocks. This step-by-step guide will delve into the intricate use of templates, their customization, and their seamless integration into your project.

Step 1: Creating a Project for Your Client

The journey begins with the creation of a new project for your client. Let's call it 'Test Client' for the sake of this guide. This project will act as the foundation where we'll lay our template building blocks.

Step 2: Understanding the Power of Templates

Before we start layering our project with templates, it's essential to grasp what templates are. In Coordinate, templates are pre-defined sets of task groups and tasks that can be reutilized across different projects, ensuring consistency and saving time.

Step 3: Exploring the Templates Section

Navigate to the templates section in Coordinate to find an array of templates ready for use. These could range from an 'onboarding template' for welcoming clients, a 'quarterly business review (QBR) template' for regular check-ins, to distinct 'services package templates' reflecting the services your company offers. Each template is custom-created with a set of actions based on its specific purpose.

Step 4: Integrating Templates into Your Project

It's time to bring our project to life. With our 'Test Client' project open, we can add a new template. Suppose we decide to start with the 'onboarding template'. We can select a date for the initial welcome call. Once this date is set, Coordinate will automatically adjust all other dates within the template based on the kickoff date, effectively shaping the timeline for the project.

Step 5: Customizing Your Project

Templates in Coordinate are designed for flexibility. After adding the 'onboarding template', suppose the client purchased 'Services Package B'. We can quickly add this template to the existing project, resulting in a combination of our 'onboarding' and 'services package B' templates in the project.

Step 6: Adapting to Changes and Upselling

As the project evolves, the templates adapt. Suppose weeks into the project, the client decides to buy 'Services Package A'. You can easily add this new template into the project, pick a start date for this new service, and Coordinate will adjust the project timeline accordingly.

Step 7: Adding Bespoke Tasks

Templates provide a solid starting point, but you might need to add specific tasks for individual clients. These bespoke tasks can be added directly into the project, adding another level of customization and making each client's project unique.

Step 8: Scheduling Regular Reviews

When it's time for a quarterly business review (QBR) with your client, you can rely on the 'QBR template'. Add the template to your project, choose the date for the review meeting, and let Coordinate populate the rest of the tasks and schedule for the QBR.

Conclusion: Appreciating the Versatility of Templates

The step-by-step guide illustrates how templates serve as building blocks in Coordinate, facilitating project structure, and efficient management. The strength of these templates lies in their flexibility – they offer an excellent starting point but allow modifications to cater to clients' specific needs.

Using templates as building blocks in Coordinate isn't just about boosting efficiency and maintaining consistency; it's about delivering tailored solutions that adapt to your clients' ever-evolving needs. For more insights and in-depth guides, be sure to check out our other resources on our website.