One of the many benefits of the Integrated Marketing Communications Program (IMCP) is that it will teach you the importance of teamwork and working together to achieve a goal -- key attributes sought by employers. Remember that everyone has to work -- as a team -- to get this project done, and that means that everyone will need to respect each other and be flexible and understanding.

Team-Building Strategies

• Before you do anything, have an "ice-breaker." Get to know each other on a more personal level.
• Learn each other's names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc.
• Make a list of expectations for each team member.
• Set team goals and objectives.
• Brainstorm names for your IMC agency.

Team Management Strategies

• Create a phone and e-mail list for each member of the group.
• Develop a system for keeping each other up to date (e-mail, phone tree, bulletin board, etc.).
• Create and utilize agendas for each meeting.
• Keep minutes and make them available to team members.
• Develop a master calendar with key assignments and due-dates.
• Know who is doing what on your "to-do" list and when it is due.
• Consider building an agency Website -- for your team as well as your client and target market.

Be an Effective Team Member

• No slacking, no power trips, and no excuses!
• Arrive on time -- and prepared -- for each meeting.
• Contribute ideas and take initiative.
• Be accountable for all you are supposed to do for the project -- and to the group.
• Respect your teammates' ideas and actions -- be open-minded and less opinionated.
• Acknowledge the work of others -- and show your appreciation.

Go back to Dr. Randall Hansen's Integrated Marketing Communications Program (IMCP)