The importance of time management

Time management is critical when being a team leader or being part of a team. Being able to manage your time is a significant skill because you may be dealing with a range of stakeholders such as clients, customers, suppliers or internal staff, and you need to be able to know when work deadlines are or when to be at the right place at the right time.

When it comes to the communications industry, timing is everything and can greatly impact the success of your public relations campaign, advertising schedule or event.

Timing your public relations pitch for long and short lead media

Pitching to long lead media (print magazines) takes time as some publications can work up to three months in advance. To improve your chances of securing coverage in long lead magazines for the launch of your campaign, it’s vital you start pitching your story no later than three months out. When it comes to pitching to short lead media (daily/weekly newspapers and magazines/radio/TV), it’s important you are aware of the journalist’s deadline to increase your chances of receiving a positive response. Pitching your story too early could mean your story gets lost amongst others, pitching it too late and the journalist may have already organised their articles for the issue.

At Elevate, a big part of our job is to also follow up on story opportunities with the media. A lot more goes into a follow up than simply picking up the phone and calling a journalist. To maximise the opportunity, we allocate time to ensuring the story is still relevant and that we’re not following up with the journalist on their deadline.

Timing your advertising bookings

Advertising bookings are based purely on deadlines. Booking your advertisement early, can help you secure great discounts, book too late, and you could miss out on a valuable placement in a publication that is covering content aligned with your campaign. Timing is everything when it comes to advertising from booking deadlines to organising the artwork ahead of schedule. As your appointed communication specialists, we manage the booking and artwork deadlines for you to ensure you get the best advertisement placement for the best possible price and in the most relevant media outlets.

Timing your events

When setting a date and time for your event, it’s important you check event listing sites in the area to avoid hosting your event on the same day as other major events in the area. Doing so will increase your chances of securing media attendance and features. Timing is also vital when planning your event schedule to ensure suppliers are organised, the event is set up on time and guests are scheduled to arrive at an appropriate time for the event to take place.

So how can you get time on your side?

The best way is to plan. Planning ahead using Gantt charts, digital calendars and schedules will provide you with an overall ‘big picture’ view of the campaign timelines and will help to keep you on track.

Time management is something the Elevate team know all too well. Speak to us before launching your next event or communication campaign to ensure you achieve the best results.