Tag: "Working with Non-Creatives"

InSide InSights: Shel Perkins

This month’s interview features a conversation with Shel Perkins, exploring some of the challenges that face in-house teams today.

Q: Tell us a bit about your background and credentials.
A: I’m a graphic designer who is very active on the business side of professional practice. I’ve managed the operations of leading design firms and consulted with a wide range of creative services organizations in both traditional and new media. I also teach professional practices in an MFA program.

Q: As a frequent lecturer, what topic are audiences most interested in?
A: Right now, everyone is worried about the recession. Apart from that, I’m often asked to do presentations and workshops related to intellectual property, designer/client contracts, project planning and tracking, new business development, pricing and proposals, teams, financial management, and ownership transition.

Q: What is the biggest challenge facing today’s in-house teams? How has this changed from even 5-7 years ago?
A: Corporations are more aware than ever of the importance of effective and comprehensive branding. There’s also increasing pressure on U.S. companies to innovate in order to remain viable. Successful in-house teams have positioned themselves at the center of these issues.

Q: Do you see more companies investigating an in-house agency business model given today’s economy?
A: Yes. To function at the highest possible level, I think it’s important to recruit, manage, and market in-house creative resources very much like an independent consultancy.

Influencing Up – Working With Non-Creative Decision-Makers

There are times when work is just a four letter word. I’m sure you’ll agree, there are those moments when being effective and productive is more painful than stubbing your toe on the bed post.

However, what’s really challenging is being a creative professional working in a non-creative industry for non-creative decision-makers. How do you do it? Well, that’s part of the charm of being a creative person. You have the skill set to adapt to any situation. You are a knowledge worker – aka super hero.

This month’s article focuses on how you can help those who don’t do your day-to-day work to understand what you do and how you can positively impact the bottom line through decisions made by others.