Juggling time-sensitive projects with multiple external agencies. How do you ensure seamless collaboration?

Before any project kickoff, I have a kickoff call with all agencies involved. We set SMART goals for each deliverable, ensuring everyone's on the same page. This keeps everyone accountable, prevents scope creep, and creates a clear roadmap for smooth collaboration, even with external teams juggling multiple projects.

I avoid email ping-pong with a clear communication plan. This outlines preferred methods (Slack for quick updates, email for longer discussions), sets expectations for response times, and designates a point of contact at each agency. Regular team calls keep everyone in the loop, and an internal knowledge-sharing platform ensures everyone has access to the latest project info. This organized approach avoids information silos, fosters transparency, and keeps projects moving at lightning speed.

Project management tools are my lifesaver! We use a shared platform like Monday.com to assign tasks, set clear due dates, and track progress for every project. This keeps external teams accountable, ensures internal stakeholders have real-time visibility, and eliminates the "who has what" email chaos. Plus, communication lives within the platform, fostering transparency and keeping everyone on the same page – a must for seamless collaboration across the board.

Before any project kickoff, I have a "who does what" meeting with all agencies involved. We map out deliverables, outlining each agency's responsibilities and ensuring no overlap. This prevents confusion, wasted time on duplicated efforts, and finger-pointing if deadlines slip. Everyone knows their lane, keeps me updated on progress, and avoids stepping on each other's toes. It's like conducting a project orchestra – clear roles create a beautiful symphony of timely deliveries.

Establish a regular feedback loop with each agency. This could be weekly check-ins, design sprints with progress reviews, or even real-time feedback tools. Early and consistent feedback keeps everyone on the same page, allows for course correction before deadlines loom, and ensures the final product aligns with our vision. No more surprises at the end – open communication is the secret sauce for smooth collaboration and timely project delivery.