At Skol Marketing, we understand that successful digital marketing campaigns don’t just happen—they require careful planning, seamless coordination, and, of course, exceptional project management. That’s why we’re lucky to have Chrissy and Gretta, two of our talented Project Managers, steering the ship behind the scenes. Recently, they joined us for a podcast to share insights into their roles, challenges, and the rewarding aspects of managing projects in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of project management at Skol Marketing.
Getting to Know Chrissy and Gretta
Chrissy’s journey to Skol Marketing is a tale of reinvention. Originally graduating with a degree in public health, Chrissy transitioned into project management after discovering a passion for organizing, problem-solving, and working with diverse teams. Having worked remotely for years, she craved the sense of community that comes with working for a local company, which ultimately led her to Skol.
Gretta’s background is in business and marketing, but her career trajectory has been equally diverse, spanning sales, social media marketing, and project management. What drew her to project management was her “type-A brain” and her love for seeing ideas come to fruition. Now with almost three years at Skol, Gretta helps clients navigate the exciting yet challenging journey of bringing their visions to life.
The Dynamic Role of a Project Manager in Digital Marketing
While project management is a common role across industries, the digital marketing space offers its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. According to Chrissy, one of the most exciting aspects of the digital marketing world is its constant evolution. With new tools, platforms, and trends emerging regularly, project managers must stay agile, ensuring that both the team and the client are always adapting to the latest industry developments.
However, as Gretta points out, one of the most unexpected challenges of project management is the people management aspect. While it’s essential to keep projects on track and meet deadlines, it’s equally important to listen to clients, understand their needs, and help guide them through the process. This requires strong communication skills and a healthy dose of empathy—critical traits for a project manager.
Client Relationships: From Dreaming to Doing
A big part of their roles involves helping clients, especially new business owners, define and achieve their goals. For Gretta, the key to success starts with listening. She loves getting to know clients’ stories, understanding their visions, and then helping turn those dreams into reality. Whether it’s launching a new website or helping a business grow its online presence, it’s about building a partnership and working toward a shared vision.
But while managing expectations and maintaining clear communication with clients is vital, project management also involves managing a lot of moving parts behind the scenes. Chrissy mentions the importance of tools like Asana, which help track the progress of projects, communicate with clients, and stay on top of tasks. These tools keep everyone on the same page, ensuring that the project stays on track and that no detail is overlooked.
The Role of Timelines and Flexibility
Timelines are often the heartbeat of project management. Having a clear timeline ensures that everyone knows what to expect and when, helping to hold team members and clients accountable. However, as both Chrissy and Gretta emphasize, timelines also need to be flexible. Not everything goes as planned, and sometimes adjustments are necessary to keep the project moving forward without sacrificing quality.
At Skol Marketing, project managers work with multiple timelines, from 16-week to 7-week schedules, depending on the complexity of the project. Each timeline is carefully crafted to include key milestones, and if any step deviates from the plan, the team works together to adjust accordingly.
The Future of Project Management: Embracing AI and Innovation
As technology continues to evolve, the role of AI in project management is becoming more prominent. Chrissy and Gretta have embraced AI tools like OtterPilot, an AI transcription service that helps capture meeting details, track action items, and enhance communication. By recording meetings and transcribing them in real-time, AI minimizes the risk of missing important details and makes it easier to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Both project managers agree that while AI is a powerful tool, it can’t replace the human touch. Project management is still about connecting with clients, managing people, and ensuring that every piece of the puzzle fits perfectly. AI helps streamline processes, but the creativity, critical thinking, and empathy of a skilled project manager are irreplaceable.
Why Project Management is Essential for Digital Marketing Success
As we’ve learned from Chrissy and Gretta, project management is the backbone of Skol Marketing’s success in the website development world. Whether it’s navigating client needs, managing timelines, or coordinating team efforts, their work ensures that every project is delivered on time, on budget, and with outstanding results.
For anyone considering a career in project management, Chrissy and Gretta offer a piece of valuable advice: Be kind to yourself and ask questions. Project management is a journey of constant learning and growth, and asking questions is the key to overcoming challenges and ensuring smooth project execution.
