Projects Managers’ Crucial Impact on Mudd Advertising

A successful project includes three important steps:  Planning, Execution, and Closing. As a Project Manager at Mudd Advertising, my role is overseeing and assisting in each of these steps to make sure we have a successful project. What makes the project manager role crucial? They are the only role in the company that will have their “hands” in every product the company sells. Where does a project start at Mudd Advertising? It begins with a given product or service that Mudd Advertising offers—anything from direct mail to TV and radio spots. The client picks the products or services they want, and then the project to give them the most successful advertising campaign begins. The project will go through all three steps before it is considered complete.

Planning –

This is the step where we are coordinating and gathering any and all information needed to start a project. Clear communication and planning are needed in order to move into the execution phase of a project. One of the most critical steps of any project is the handoff from the Territory Manager (sales person) to the Project Manager. Once the handoff is complete the Project Manager is in total control of the project until it is completed. Communication and attention to detail are important because Project Managers need to gather all knowledge possible to make the first proof to the dealer stand out.

Executing –

This task is completing the fulfillment of all products and services sold and to ensure client satisfaction. This is why all project managers must give only the best customer service to our clients. What does this process look like behind the computer and phone? This is communicating back and forth with the client and the sales manager that sold the project. This means we ensuring every step we take is in the best interest for our clients. We do this by:

• Offering our professional advice to make the sale as successful as possible.
• Submitting COOP and list approval.
• Attacking any task that may be preventing the project from moving forward.
• Working directly with the art team or production team to ensure the project is progressing on time or before deadlines.

Closing –

Closing might not seem like it is very important, but the Project Manager is responsible for managing and accomplishing the project objective, and, most importantly, they are responsible for meeting customer expectations. Closing is what allows us to make sure we have met the customer expectations. What does this look like at the desk? The project manager is multi-tasking between several different projects to make sure they are completing the task on or before the deadlines! Finishing a project means: receiving all the approvals we need in order to close out the project, completing every task assigned to the project, and, most importantly, meeting customer expectations. There are many reasons I love my position as a Project Manager at Mudd Advertising. Even though each day is spent working at a very fast pace, I enjoy dedicating my individual attention to each and every project. It is very satisfying to know I am having an impact on a business’s success, as well as helping several consumers discover what they are searching for. “We love when you succeed” is our company’s slogan and the project manager role plays a huge part of this. Also, I love hearing the amazing results from dealers all over the nation on current and past campaigns that helped meet business goals.