Our organization is embarking on implementation of a marketing plan that we have been working on for over a year. The board just approved the plan, and now the pressure is on for me to carry it out successfully.

I'm going to take the ball and run with it (which is my natural orientation) but want to do everything I can to ensure that board and staff members continue to support the plan. How do I guarantee that my colleagues will agree with my actions going forward and be pleased with results?

– Alane Miller
Director of Marketing and Development
The Grant Center
Memphis, Tennessee

1. Before you take another step, work with the board to define a series of benchmarks to be met as you bring the marketing plan to life. The benchmarks should be designed to motivate review of activity to date and course correction if necessary (averting the possibility that you'll go too far in the wrong direction).
2. Plan how frequently, and via what means you'll update board members and relevant colleagues on your progress. Think of this group as your marketing team and let them know what they can expect from you.
   
   I recommend a periodic group email report, and occasional update meetings.
3. Consider what you are seeking from your marketing team. And the kind of input they demand? Will you be soliciting approval or just keeping folks updated? More input is not always useful, especially when it comes to design issues.
   
   You'll want to come to the table with a concrete recommendation that is feasible for you to maintain while meeting your marketing budget and timeline. Also, make sure you define what results you can deliver. The kind of marketing you're doing generates tangible results. Let your team know what you expect. But remember, nothing is worse than promising what you can't deliver.
4. Let your marketing team know immediately if (and we can probably say "when") you come up against stumbling blocks. Nothing is better than an immediate group email to update team members on a glitch and your intended solution. Not only will they feel included, and satisfied to be made aware of a diversion from the original plan – you give yourself great pr by providing an immediate solution.