If a project sponsor has supported a project and it was ultimately approved, one of the next steps should be to establish performance standards. This strategy is important because it allows you to set objectives in relation to the strategic value of the project and also how the objectives will be measured. Setting goals and a plan for how to track them is a key element of a successful project. During this period is also the time when the sponsor selects a project manager for the project and begins to guide it. Another important strategy is to develop relationships with key stakeholders. “Successful executive sponsors create an environment conducive to effective communication between project teams and stakeholders” (Kloppenborg & Tesch, 2015). The project sponsor should be the bridge between the project client and the project, ensuring communication about planning and wishes. This is an important part of a project's success because maintaining relationships, effective communications, and quality performance is what helps keep everything running smoothly. The next strategy for a successful project is to ensure that a robust evaluation process is established to review the project once it reaches completion. This is an important step because it will determine if everything has been completed correctly, if expectations have been fully met and to make sure that the customer's needs have been met. If a project is completed successfully it can open the door to the future