Why Delegation is the Key to Great Marketing.

When working on graphic design or direct mail projects we always emphasise the importance of sharing responsibilities with your colleagues, even if the urge to steer a project ‘solo’ can be so alluring and seem on the face of it, safe. For a variety of reasons sometimes, particularly over multiple assets, it’s not.

Branding in terms of imagery, tone of copy and the format of a design is open to interpretation so it’s good to get the collective input of your team, before you hand the assets over to your design agency.

Obviously meeting a looming deadline is essential, for preserving business connections and providing high quality work in a timely manner. Landing dates for design and direct mail projects are often linked to marketing campaigns associated with product launches, the charity sector calendar, seasonal promotions, or specific events. Print work is required to meet the requirements of board meetings, exhibitions or keeping clients and investors informed.

Failure to finish tasks on time due to missing assets or missed deadlines could lead to missed opportunities and setbacks damaging your reputation in the long run. It is crucial to deliver work punctually to establish trust and nurture enduring relationships. Assigning responsibilities to team members who specialise in areas such as, recipient data, copywriting, the intricacies of a response mechanism, or an eye for design are examples of delegation. This ensures smooth progress across all aspects of any project that involves developing ideas and refining designs to the final stages of print and distribution. There are few things more harrowing than feeling initially proud of a campaign at the concept stage, that is reduced to merely being “enough” on delivery.

No ‘I’ in team - but there is a ‘ME.’

Yes we know, but hear us out. When someone tries to handle everything themselves without sharing tasks with others, as noble an effort as that can be, it can make them feel stressed out and bogged down with work resulting in delays and mistakes leading to poor quality output.

By assigning tasks it allows every team member to make the use of their abilities with tasks such, as writing and project coordination allowing a designer to realise captivating materials with the optimum room to breathe on a timeline. This collaborative synergy ensures that the outcome is thorough and of quality meeting the projects needs and expectations effectively.  

Punctuality is key, to reducing the likelihood of last-minute errors in any project you take on whether it involves creating something, managing printing tasks, or production of mailings. We often say in the studio “when things get rushed, things get missed.” Assigning duties aids in distributing accountability among your team members. It allows for the timely completion and workflow of tasks, plus scrutiny of any drafts to avoid potential delays and oversights.

Avoid Additional Costs

Delays in production schedules may result in unavoidable higher printing and shipping costs. Also, in the case of direct mail if you must pick up the pieces with an additional letter by way of apology, that’s yet another embarrassing cost!

Assignments are better managed when tasks are divided among team members based on their skills and expertise. This reduces the likelihood of revisions and enhances productivity. Getting things done in a timely manner and efficiently managing tasks show professionalism and attention to detail with a minimum of disruption or reminders.  

Trust Works on Many Levels…

Building trust is crucial as it increases the likelihood of customers returning or referring others to the business, or donors giving to a cause. You gain closer bonds as an effective team, establishing a team dynamic and building relationships with colleagues. Simply put; Ensuring a project stays in line with deadlines and assigning tasks efficiently distributes the workload among the team members to achieve excellent results consistently.

We love good design and aesthetics and don't feel it should cost the earth either. Across all areas of business and the charity sector Wodehouse have delighted our clients with graphic design, high quality print and direct mail solutions since 2003.