I have started hundreds of projects and the main lesson that I have learnt is that it is better to tell a story rather than to get into the fine detail of the project or product or service on day one.
In my experience clients want to know all the answers to every possible question and to be given a step by step and day by day plan to follow on day one. However, the more valuable and worthwhile aim of the project kick off is to build trust and the relationship between the client and myself in my role as the solution provider’s project manager.
This relationship between the solution provider project manager and the client project team is vital to the success of the project. Without the establishment of trust and understanding from day one no matter what happens next the project will fail.
By telling a story and not focusing on the details I am able to allow the client to obtain valuable knowledge about the challenges they will face and the best practice they need to follow. This knowledge is gained by the client on day one and not day 200 of the project.
Successful International Project Management 