Expert Management
Just like every Week of the Website build, the Three PR site was a collaborative effort. But when it comes to our projects, there’s one team member who truly keeps the train on the tracks: the Project Manager.
During an engagement, our PMs facilitate communication with clients and developers, taking copious notes, problem solving, offering design and function feedback and ensuring the project meets the necessary deadlines to launch on time. All while making it look so easy.
We talked to Operations Manager and PM extraordinaire Katie Stipanovich about her experience leading the Three PR site build, and how WOTW project managers keep clients inspired, excited and honest.
What makes for good inspiration?
KS: When asking for inspo, I always tell clients to look outside your industry. Turn to what interests you in your daily life. This can influence your work aesthetic too! Look to fashion, consumer brands, nature, art — not just other websites.
Are there other examples you can think of where the inspiration came from something in the everyday?
KS: I remember a client had a therapy practice but also loved gardening. We brought a lot of those visual vibes into her professional website and it looked beautiful.
As a PM, how do you get people to do their ‘homework?’
Katie Stipanovich: Our job as PMs is to present a list of what we need in an easy-to-digest way with clear deadlines and expectations. This helps clients not feel overwhelmed and know exactly what to deliver and when. We also have calls/send reminders so that everyone remains accountable to deadlines.
Collecting all the assets for a new site — copy, photos, etc. — can be work. How do you bring joy to a process that some people might find a little tedious or hard to fit into their schedule?
KS: By giving a lot of guidance/breaking deliverables down into chunks, it helps clients be able to spend the time needed on each element. Developing a voice/assets for your brand should be fun and not stressful. We give the appropriate time and space to those deliverables to help achieve that!
What’s your favorite feature of the Three PR site?
KS: It’s subtle, but Susan and Kelsey did a thin-line outline around different sections on the site. Originally it was just one single line, but they decided to make it three as a little fun nod to Three PR.
How do you coach honest feedback out of clients?
KS: It definitely can be hard for some clients to be honest when they aren’t loving the direction we are going. We always start each call by reiterating that they won’t hurt our feelings and they should be completely candid about feedback. If I feel like a client is holding back, I try to ask some specific questions to solicit that feedback. Honesty is definitely a huge part of the WOTW process!