If one of your project management duties is working with vendors on design project needs, part 1 and 2 of this resource management series offers ten project management tips for successful vendor relations with creatives. Learn how to be a good client while working with design vendors and get the most effective performance from your contract designers and creative professionals.
1. Plan ahead for resource management success.
As with all vendor relations, recognize that when working with contract designers, you work around their schedules as well as your own. Give your creatives plenty of time to work their magic as well as procure any additional contracted services. The more schedules you have to consider in your project management, the more lead time you need to give vendors. Consistently planning project schedules appropriately can net your organization respect in creative vendor relations. The quality vendor relations established will make contract designers more likely to accommodate your needs when the inevitable "rush" situation does arise.
2. Outline clear marketing goals.
Resource management will be much more effective when overall goals are communicated and the purpose of each individual project is defined. Provide contract designers with an outline of what you want each creative task to accomplish as well as how projects factor into broader marketing goals.
3. Establish budget guidelines.
The project budget will greatly affect the specifications contract designers will recommend for each piece. Avoid misunderstandings in your vendor relations with creatives by providing specific budget guidelines for each project. Review proposed costs at each stage of project management and keep a spreadsheet of project expenses.
4. Involve creatives in brainstorming sessions.
For successful project management, take advantage of the creativity you've hired in your contract designers. Include creatives in your brainstorming and strategy sessions about a particular project, and take advantage of design vendor relations by remaining open to new ideas. A contract designer's prior experience with other projects and awareness of other marketing successes may provide the catalyst to help your project stand out from the crowd. In addition, creative vendors' knowledge of printing and mailing requirements can net resource management budget returns by highlighting ways to cut costs during project production and execution.
5. Leave the design to the professionals.
Provide your contract designers with project goals, specific marketing requirements for your creative project, and any graphic elements that must be included. Beyond that, let your creatives do what they do best. Contract designers are trained in design principles and techniques that can help your project communicate goals most effectively. Don't hijack the process and repeat contracted tasks by attempting mock layouts. Take full advantage of the benefits good creative vendor relations can provide.
See part 2 of this resource management series for tips 6 - 10 on how to maintain effective vendor relations with contract designers and creatives.
