Rule #5

Always build in a little extra time when determining project deadlines.

Chaos is a given in the marketing world, and clients are often right at the center of it. Indecision, groupthink, shifting budgets, and last-minute projects are all part of the daily grind. As a marketing professional, you must anticipate and adapt to these disruptions, no matter how well you’ve planned your strategy and timeline.

Sometimes, this means setting expectations strategically. If a task takes two hours, budget for six. If a client’s content is due Thursday, tell them the deadline is Monday. It’s not about being dishonest—it’s about protecting clients from their own hectic schedules while giving yourself the flexibility to handle inevitable disruptions.