Just started as a project manager at an ad agency. I’m still adjusting to how things work as my background is mostly in production. Any advice/tips for someone just getting started in this field on how to acclimate quickly and find your groove?

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Some thoughts… 😊

Remember it’s your job to make sure your team knows WHAT needs to be done and by WHEN. Err on the side of over communication and make sure all notes include who owns a specific task and what the due date is. Be as specific as possible.

Keep a solid pulse on the status of work so when account asks, you have an answer. Or even better, provide updates before they ask. Check in with your teams if they are not proactively communicating with you.

Get to know your teams. They are going to need different levels of support. Some may need daily priorities. Others can be super self sufficient and will keep you updated.

Partner closely with your CDs and account leads. Problem solve together. You don’t have to have all the answers. Know who to collaborate with and make recommendations.

Work on relationship building, organization and proactivity so everyone knows they can rely on you.

You’ve got this, good luck!

likehelpfulsmart

SO helpful. Taking all of this into my day tomorrow! Thank you!!!

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Ask the Account team who the best PM’s are and ask to shadow those ppl and leverage their templates

likesmarthelpful

Also ask the creative team- its really important to have their trust

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Be nice but firm, be proactive, provide solutions, over communicate and learn how people like to work and meet them where they are.

Don’t make up fake deadline, never say “asap” and don’t take sides between creative and account.

And everything the person before me said.

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And account. You need both to trust you for success.

likehelpful

Came from the same background and got into this a couple of months ago. All I got to say is try your best to be on top of things, and prioritize your need-to-haves over your nice-to-haves

I’m also project director mainly because there is no one to be my senior except for the board and no one to be my junior except for seasonal project managers that we (I) rent from bureaus.

(Someone please send me a CEO)

helpfullike

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