Top 10 Points of Advice for Interactive Producers

I have been covering for one of my producers who is on vacation this week, so I have found myself thrown back in the world of interactive producing versus staff and client management. So, this got me to bring out my old producing skills. I am compiling a top ten of things you have to know.

1. Sharpies and Post-It Notes Are Your Friends. Producers need Sharpies. Always bring Sharpies to video shoots. Use Sharpies to write big notes on pieces of paper you don't want to forget. Post It Notes keep you organised. You can move them around and create schedules, site maps, whatever you like.
2. We can be ready, but can you. When you are launching a content management system, the most difficult part (no matter the functionality) is getting the client to get you the content to make their launch date. We can build the site, but if you can't get us the content - then there is nothing to launch but "lorem ipsum". This is why it is worth you money to have us write the content.
3. No one reads gantt charts. It is true. I understand their need for the producer. But no one reads them. No one knows how to read them. They delete them, throw them in the trash. Your best bet is to send the team a hot list (list of to-dos by person) each day with due dates.
4. Give them an inch, they will take a mile. Clients, team members - you have to stay strong. You have to influence and sometimes lie and make stuff up and be mean. 
5. Full bellies build better mousetraps. No matter what the project, the team or situation. As a project manager, it is in your best interest to make sure the team is fed and happy. This tends at times to needs beyond food. I have been known to make cigarette or beer runs to keep the team going. Just remember, a large pepperoni pizza goes a long way.
6. God laughs at your plans, and so do clients and the overlord of technology. You can plan. You can make gantt charts, risk analysis, lists and so forth. But the fates laugh. No matter how much planning you do, something will not go according to plan. You have to smile, regroup, get a solution and instill confidence in the team that all will be ok.
7. Take it outside. Yes, there are going to be moments when you want to throw the stapler, computer or phone. Take it outside. You are suppose to be the calm one. Take it outside. No one on the team needs to see your panic or frustration. Find a friend, punch a pillar, whatever - go outside, get it out of your system, paint on a smile and carry on. The team is depending on you.
8. The big things do matter. If you can't see your boss' vision, get behind the process, or any other big picture items within your organisation - then it might not be the right organisation for you. Finding the right job is like finding the right mate. Don't settle - you will never be happy and you will never do the kind of work you want to do.
9. Make them think it was their idea. My old boss at Razorfish use to talk about influencing people. Once you learn and understand this, it is quite powerful (thanks Jeff). I would never bring in a schedule to the team and say this is it. I will bring in a schedule and present it as - a little something I put together - and then get the key stakeholders to review it, commit to it, believe it, own it and follow it. In the end, if they feel like they stated the dates, they will keep to them. If it was your timeline, then you were just wrong to think it could get done in that timeframe.
10. Manners count. There is always time to reply with a thank you. A kind word or phrase for good work. An email to someone's boss praising their work. Too often at work, we just complain about what we don't get from people. Making people look good to others also makes you look good and shows you are a team player.