If you can find someone who can single-handedly write, design and develop marketing materials, good for you, but rarely can one person expertly execute this process on their own. Writers are typically not designers, designers are generally not developers, and developers are almost never writers. So, it looks like you are probably going to need a team of people with complementary skills to produce quality marketing and promotional materials.
Whether you are a business owner looking for people to help you create your materials, or you are a freelancer looking partner with other creatives to supply well-rounded services to clients, a good team is critical.
First, you need a project manager to take the lead. It is essential to have someone coordinating the project with the other team members as well as the client. This person creates a schedule and works with the team until the project is complete. A completed project typically results in a happy client, and happy clients are more likely to return for more work or refer you to a friend.
Next, you need and great designer. I’d encourage you to find someone who collaborates well and has a similar creative style and process as you. Check out their portfolio to see if you like their work, but also talk to them about their goals and how they approach projects. Young designers are fresh, but a little experience goes a long way.
Now that you have a manager and designer, you will need a developer for all of your web projects. When looking for a developer, don’t just ask them about their skills (because it will probably sound like Greek to you), check out sites and applications they’ve developed. Also, if you can find a developer who can break down the technical language and explain the development process or issues, you have hit the jackpot. Once again, communication skills are so important.
One of your best communicators on the team should be your writer. Be sure to check out their samples to see if they are able to take on a range of tones and if their style is in line with what you are seeking. Also, talk to them about their ideas and thought process. Don’t worry if they don’t have experience in a ton of media or industries. A good writer will be able to take the information supplied, do some research and hit your mark every time.
Finally, look for partners that have a similar work ethic as you. Are they goal-oriented? Motivated? Creative? Easy to work with? Those are the real questions you need to be considering when putting together a successful team. Skills and talent are important, but if the working relationship isn’t there, good luck.
I found my awesome team. Check out The Creative Outfit at www.thecreativeoutfit.com.
