Managing and winning the creative game
Creative project management is the difference maker in the success of technology marketing projects
In a technology marketing firm, the project manager (PM) functions like a quarterback, guiding both the client and creative team through interconnected logistics to drive project success into the endzone. PMs are the communication and accountability experts who keep all stakeholders engaged and focused on the project’s scope, timeline, and budget. They are critically important in delivering quality work that wows the clients.
Emphasis on creative project management principles as a core discipline in an agency is a differentiator quickly realized by clients. Projects led by a strong PM validate that everyone knows what they're doing and when they need to do it—while ensuring they have the tools and information needed to exceed the client's desired goals.
Managing complexities
The most ambitious product marketing projects are complex, with independent variables of time, talent, and budget to be managed and intricately structured in a delicate balance. PMs must have a strategy aligned with the client’s needs and develop a game plan for the agency. Then they need to be sufficiently agile and resourceful to course correct—or even change direction—as the project comes to life. Expecting the unexpected and knowing precisely what to do next is the everyday business of a creative PM.
““Maintaining the information process flow is imperative to keeping the creative team moving forward.””
As reference materials are supplied, client interactions occur and feedback is received, maintaining the information process flow is imperative to keeping the creative team moving forward. PMs protect that space with coordinated knowledge transfers, enabling content and design team members to have time to do their best work.
Consistent communciation
Effective communication is a fundamental element of project management and ensures that information flows to all stakeholders. This critical connection between the client and the internal team supports keeping projects on schedule. Should there be any potential risks, they are discussed and resolved quickly.
“Agencies that employ excellent project management teams stand out and are engaged before a statement of work is signed to ensure that the project scope is clear, timelines are achievable, and resources are secured and organized to deliver on the promises made, observes Sappington client Don Bulmer, Vice President of Marketing, Consumer Products & Chemicals, Veeva Systems. “Effective project management is critical to establishing trust and confidence with clients at the beginning and throughout an engagement.”
Positioning the team for success
At Sappington, we put project management front and center in our creative process. As quarterbacks on the team, our PMs understand what our clients need and motivate the creative team to deliver the best possible client outcomes. Sappington PMs lead our team to victory by delivering on time and on budget with Sappington quality assurance integrated at each stage of a project.
Great design can make you swoon, and exceptional copywriting leaves you wondering why you didn’t think of saying it that way. A firm’s comprehensive project management is the winning piece that ensures you receive consistent delivery of positive, measurable outcomes.
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