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Barr Allen project and program guidelines

We have put together a guideline of considerations that you may want to review prior to any project oriented needs, whether those needs are for one direct mail piece or a global marketing plan. By no means is this a complete list of every question that may be addressed — its intent is to stimulate your thought process and provide a solid foundation.

What do you need?
Do you need a brochure or an entire marketing campaign? Do you need to boost sales in general, or target a new audience? What is the current business atmosphere? What would you like it to be? Now is the time to look at what you specifically want to create. But more equally important what you want to accomplish. What goal are you trying to reach?

What's most critical?
Many different factors can make or break a successful project. The key is to identify which factors are most important to your goals. Is budget your number one consideration? Or is money "no-object" as long as you meet your deadline? Identify the most important factors and then pick your top three.

What is your projected investment?
Knowing the range of what you want to invest (and what you are aiming for) will be a better use of your time and budget in the long run. Solutions can be tailored to match what you want to spend if you have this range in mind from the start. Don't forget to factor in staff time as you consider this.

When do you want this by?
Deadlines are often driven by outside factors - such as the tradeshow will be on ## date or the product launch needs to start by ##. If you don't have a date-driven project, what would you like to see in terms of turnaround? How long is your internal review process?

Who will need to review this internally and externally?
This is something to keep in mind as you consider schedules and deadlines and communication. Does your legal department need to be included in the review process? Does your board of directors need updates so that they can give input?

Who will need to be involved in developing content?
Will you need to tap into the engineering department for specific product data or the marketing department for research statistics? Keep in mind who you need to talk to in filling your needs and whether they are primary, secondary or tertiary to helping you reach your goals.

Do you have project leader and/or a manger?
It's good to be thinking of this now - whether it's you or someone at your office, or a member of the Barr Allen team. This role oversees the important details such as brand integrity and market image perception as well as looking for otherwise unrecognized 'wins' along the way.

Do you have a supplier/producer resource selected?
What characteristics do you look for in a supplier? What do you NOT want in a supplier? What are the most important attributes from a supplier: partnership? Quality? Speed? Price? — Why?

Remember some projects can become unwieldy and you want a resource with which you are comfortable. The more qualities and characteristics you define the better likelihood that you will find a good match. Don't just settle — a good resource makes the difference between an OK result and excellence.

How will you know the project was a success?
Measuring and evaluating wither with surveys, focus groups or listening to talk around the water cooler. Establish pre and post benchmarks.