Why wait until the beginning of the year to start your 2015 initiatives?
It is critical to get ahead of the fiscal year budget cycle. No matter what functional role you have, from digital marketing to web design to product innovation, each of us is asked to deliver ROI and productivity gains as fast as possible. Here are three tips to make 2015 easier.
I’ve worked with many amazing brands over the years including my time at Coca-Cola as Group Director of Global Design. One of the glaring similarities I noticed across these companies was how unproductive December and January were for almost everyone.
While yearly reviews drive alignment and those holiday parties can be great networking, when you’re focused on delivering ROI ASAP, they just don’t deliver.
3 tips to help you jump start things now:
1. Get NDAs with the top 1 to 3 partners at least three months before you intend to start the initiative
2. Bounce ideas off of top partners to help you get to a better brief
3. Start initiatives only in February, March, April, September and October
Make the most of December and January by ensuring you have enough momentum to keep things going. They do the same to help during the Summer months.
Most advertising agencies, digital marketing agencies and design firms are ready to pick up new work during the slower periods too. This may mean you can get access to better talent or other perks.
Corporate Tip: Have a slow new vendor procurement process? Add the vendor now while getting the NDA.
Starting first isn’t everything. Make sure you’ve got a great brief with a clearly defined scope, goals, and what measure of success looks like.
If you’ve been working on an initiative for next year, why not start it this month? Most companies have end of the year budget they need to spend, and it’s a great way to jump start 2015!
Worried you don’t have the right partner yet? Get to a shortlist in no time across advertising or digital agencies, design firms and research companies using Agency Spotter. With customer reviews, ways to leverage your LinkedIn network, in-depth city coverage (Boston, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Portland) and more, Agency Spotter helps you decide with more confidence, in less time. Plus, it’s free for decision makers and influencers to use.
You want to deliver great things. Just do it now. Don’t wait.
Photo credit: Oscar Rethwill
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