We’ve all been there. You’ve got this great strategy built out with KPIs, examples, measurements for success, and a budget. It’s been approved by your managers, and you’re ready to execute...there’s just one problem though, it requires collaboration with a non-marketing/PR colleague who, historically, has not understood your vision and maybe didn’t back it to the fullest leading to frustration, delays, and maybe missed opportunities. Ugh. Cue existential dread.
Peers and friends in the creative sphere - how do YOU motivate non-marketing/PR colleagues from different functions and disciplines to support your vision?
A few things I’ve tried and found moderate success with:
- Persistence: not nagging, of course, but following-up enough times for the recipient to understand it’s important to you, you’re not going away, and they are a critical component of your success.
- Education: before the final plan is complete, I have a 1:1 or group meeting with the supporting colleagues to explain the plan, identify the deliverables and timeline, and educate on the outcomes I am expecting to achieve with their help. This gives them room to raise any questions or issues, ensures they understand the timeline, and lets them know the success of the project hinges on their involvement.
- Follow-up: once the project is complete and preliminary results are in, package them up in a one-pager and send them out to everyone who participated with their leaders on copy. They will feel good about their role in the success of the campaign, their bosses will be made aware on their behalf, and you’ll build trust and credibility making the next project go significantly smoother.
These have worked for me, but what other tips, tricks, or strategies have worked for you?
