Some might even call this the ‘coal-face’ of corporate comms, but I reckon that’s doing a disservice to anyone who’s worked down the pit. Regardless, it’s definitely shaped the way I approach managing a creative agency.
Don’t get me wrong, I'm not saying I don't value or appreciate the more erudite world of strategy or design. It's just that my heart has always been on the side of those who 'get shit done'. I’ve lost count of the number of LinkedIn articles about ESG this, brand purpose that, so let's take a moment to appreciate the boys and girls who make it all happen.
So, why does this matter? In our world, project managers are the unsung heroes. They're like the glue that holds together the creative process, client expectations and project timelines.
Think of the project manager as the conductor of an orchestra, pulling all the strings, from the birth of an idea to its real-world execution. Without this, the creative brilliance of your brilliant creative idea might get lost in the ensuing chaos, resulting in missed deadlines, mediocre deliverables and dented egos. And as we all know there are few things worse than a Creative Director with a dented ego.
Project management's main job is streamlining processes and allocating resources. It's about crafting a water-tight project plan, setting milestones and keeping those communication channels open. A well-managed project means that the creative process can flow smoothly, reducing bottlenecks and boosting overall productivity. Time is money, and hitting deadlines is the key to keeping clients and stakeholders happy.
Then there's client services, the bridge between the creative minds and the client. In brand and investor communications, it's not just about firing off a message. It's about really getting what the client wants and expects. A good client services team is right there, working closely with clients, giving updates and tackling concerns in real time.
So, in that respect having a happy, satisfied client is golden. They're more likely to stick around, become repeat customers and shout your company’s praises.
Client services is also about building and retaining relationships. In our industry pitching for new work is akin to rocket science. By that I mean it probably takes less time and money pitching a new rocket to NASA than it does preparing for a corporate comms RFP. So, in that respect having a happy, satisfied client is golden. They're more likely to stick around, become repeat customers and shout your company’s praises. It's not just about the current project; it's about securing the future and making your company shine as bright as possible.
So, to sum up, the success of a campaign or project hangs on the shoulders of effective project management and great client services. They're not just cogs in the machine; they're the secret sticky sauce that makes great creativity and strategy taste as good as it does.
