July 12, 2009
Posted in marketing, PR tagged ads, brainstorm, brochures, case study, deadline, industry, information, marketing, mistake, plan, PR, problems, project management, scripts, time management, timeline at 4:27 pm by lcochran
“I need more time”. “There just aren’t enough hours in the day to get this done”. “I’ll be burning the midnight oil”. How many times have you heard any of these from a co-worker or said them yourself? Marketing and PR projects can be just as much of a time crunch as in any other industry. With that said, it’s important for clients to understand project timelines/deadlines so the work can be completed on time and efficiently.
1. Make a plan
You have a project, now make a plan as to how it will be implemented. Who will be working on the project? What information is needed to get it done? When is it due? Who is in charge of putting the project together for delivery?
2. Implementation
Now that you have your plan together, with tasks assigned, it’s time to implement. Have regular meetings with team members to make sure everyone is on track and there are no problems. Handle any problems that arise immediately. If someone is unable to obtain a key piece of information, brainstorm, reach out to others, if necessary.
When working on the project timelines, build in time for reviewing and making changes to the project (brochures, scripts, ads, etc).
3. Delivery
When delivering the project, have someone with fresh eyes review the project. Make changes where necessary to ensure a valuable product is delivered.
4. Thank the team
Don’t forget to always thank your team members for their important contributions. If something went awry, consider it a learning experience and don’t make the same mistake next time.
5. Review
Review what went right and wrong on the project. Take team members’ input seriously. If necessary, do a case study and distribute it throughout the company. Everyone will appreciate knowing how to do things more efficiently.
These are just some of the things that can be done to ensure your project stays on task and on time. Any other suggestions?
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June 16, 2009
Posted in Commercial Real Estate, global marketing/PR, social media networking, Twitter tagged architect, Atlantic Station, career, Dolce, eco-friendly, environment, Facebook, green, industry, LinkedIn, marketing, new job, non-profit, PR, reconnect, story, sustainable, Twitter at 3:24 pm by lcochran
A couple of weeks ago I had a friend join me at the Type-A event at Dolce-Atlantic Station. The networking event brings together professionals in the commercial real estate, “green” and other industries who have the gumption to care about the environment. I was able to reconnect with those whom I had met while doing PR for the last firm where I worked but met a couple new people.
My friend (a trained architect), who is NEVER star struck, met her “rock star”, a developer who is transforming Atlanta with his out-of-the-box sustainable development ideas. I had never seen this “giddy as a school girl” glow about her the entire time I’ve known her. After meeting and chatting with “Mr. X”, he moved on to mingle with others…and left.
As my friend and I were about to leave, I was approached by the aformentioned “couple people” chatting about business. The next thing I knew, my friend came over and said she was going to dinner with Mr. X. My friend had impressed Mr. X so much that as he was walking to his car, he went back to get her and take her to dinner. My friend started at Mr. X’s firm last week, with a permanent position, when she had initially offered to be his intern for the summer (did I mention she has over 10 years experience and getting a master’s degree?).
The two people I met…one I had lunch with the next day and he requested a proposal for PR work, launching his new product…decision is still pending, but I hear it’s between me and two huge firms in NYC. The other, referred me to a non-profit coordinator who needs assistance with marketing and PR. We are in talks about doing pro bono work.
My point: With all the opportunities social networking presents, it seems that staying online still has not replaced the need and value of old-fashioned, face-to-face networking. Two opportunities for business arose for me in two hours of networking vs. the countless hours spent on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Maybe I’m not doing the social networking “thing” correctly?
My friend was hesitant to go because she thought her story was not very interesting. Someone is always interested in your story, it’s just how you present it. Remember, it only takes meeting that one person to turn the tables around.
So RUN, don’t walk, to your next networking event, even if it’s not in your industry. You never know who you are going to meet!
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