I know what you’re thinking. But really, managing operations for a public relations firm is no small task and requires keeping track of many moving parts. It’s definitely challenging and indeed, it can be thrilling.
With responsibility for operations at Buchanan Public Relations, here are some of the things I might think about during a typical day:
- Are we meeting our clients’ needs? Are they satisfied? Delighted?
- How do we encourage – and ensure – high staff productivity?
- Is each client account being managed profitability?
- Is the firm profitable overall (it had better be!)?
- Are we all accurately recording billable hours and administrative time?
- Are we billing and invoicing clients in a timely and comprehensive manner?
- Are we reporting to clients in way that makes sense to them?
- Are deadlines being met?
- Employee satisfaction – How do we recruit and hang on to the best employees?
- Our benefits program – Is it meeting employee needs? And are we on top of new laws and requirements?
- Payroll – Are we spending the right percentage of revenue? Are we withholding the proper taxes?
And then there are the really big strategic issues, such as:
- Managing through good times and bad
- Generally walking the fine line between providing the best possible client service and protecting the firm’s bottom line
- The Future
What are some of the skills necessary to keep the trains running on schedule?
- Organization
- Aptitude for dealing with routine matters and keeping an eye on the big picture simultaneously
- An ability to prioritize both challenges and opportunities, because you will be presented with both every day
Okay, so this may not sound like your definition of fun, but for the right person – someone who thrives on the continuing challenge of a role that includes responsibility for orchestrating growth; emphasis on improving quality, efficiency and delivery; and maintaining an intense focus on service excellence all at the same time – it can be thrilling indeed.