Had some interesting conversations about project management today.
The upshot was that project management is just as important as the creative and technical deliverable. Without great project management, projects fail -- no matter how great the idea or execution might be.
What makes great project management? Here are my top 5:
1. Communication: Timely, consistent, accurate.
2. Knowledge: Grasp the client problem, understand the team's solution. Reconcile these at every deadline. You're not just trafficking files, you're making sure requirements are met, that priorities line up.
3. Documentation: Keep receipts. All of them. Keep notes and records (signatures) tracking what happened when and who decided what and why was something approved by whom.
4. Budgeting: It takes discipline to not only structure a sensible budget but keep tabs on it at regular intervals and when key milestones are hit. Spreadsheets have to be a core competency.
5. Organization: Track priorities, tasks, team through however many channels you need to stay on top of all the things. Project management software rules! Systems are the best!
I have found most success hiring project managers who enjoy making to-do lists, using a label-maker, and filing things in their personal life.
Three Furies is a certified woman-owned business, brand, and content strategy agency with deep experience in the legal marketing sector, including digital marketing analysis, brand and digital design, communications strategy, and advertising campaigns. We also produce bespoke wine tasting experiences for client development and employee resource groups through our sister company Tipsy.