Doing Digital: Three Things I’ve Learned Along the Way

Last week we had a team lunch. We ate spicy chicken. It was delicious. During that lunch we talked about the year ahead and I (briefly) spoke about things I’ve learned while working at NJI Media.

During my five minute presentation nobody fell asleep; since that’s a first, and because because Phill is very persuasive, I decided to share a few of my thoughts on our blog.

After working on thousands of projects, with dozens of talented people over a seven year span, it’s safe to say I’ve learned a few things along the way. Below are three I shared with the team.

1. No matter how much you prepare, it’s impossible to avoid the monkey wrench.

Why? It’s inconceivable to accurately predict each client request (or change order) because the inevitable approval process mixed with the 24-hour news cycle forces us to pivot quickly – and we have to be okay with that.

What to do: Practice patience and be as prepared as possible for each task; then remember to be nimble as the project evolves. Remember, you can’t control what you can’t control.

2. Because we’re good at what we do, what we do can look easy, but convincing clients that what we do isn’t easy isn’t easy.

Why? Clients hire us to be the experts and it’s our job to provide them highest quality strategy, creative and technology solutions for their ever-changing needs. It’s our job to help make their job easier.

What to do: Practice patience by helping our clients understand why we strive to be thoughtful about every decision we make for them and why we pay attention to every project detail. Let’s make it easier for clients to understand our processes and how we get from Point A to launch.

3. Good teams don’t happen by accident.

Why? It takes years for a company to get to a place where you’re surrounded by extremely talented people that you can trust to have your back on every project.

What to do: Practice patience by learning from each of your team members. Your frustration might be born out of someone else’s necessity. Talk to one another and help each other understand how we ended up in places we ended up. Remember, you’re surrounded by some of the most talented people in this profession – use it to your advantage.

More to come in the weeks and months ahead – but only if Phill continues to be persuasive.