My strategy to handle tight deadlines came out of necessity years ago when I started to organically grow a personal following on LinkedIn. I decided to partner and feed multiple marketing companies and agencies instead of managing everything under one firm. Instead of hiring employees directly; I contract multiple people and their independent firms. I found that the best way to ensure that clients have the best ROI and are satisfied with their services, is to give them options that align the best with them. Always having a back up team to handle tight deadlines is a part of that plan. I always have an additional team ready to execute on existing plans when there are tight deadlines.

I’ve learned that the best way to manage tight deadlines is to align early on a clear course of action because once everyone knows exactly where we’re headed, execution becomes more efficient. Clients appreciate speed, but what they value more is certainty. I make sure there’s no ambiguity upfront, then focus on making quick decisions, empowering my team to own their roles, and removing anything that slows us down. The pressure never goes away, but when the path is clear, delivering under tight deadlines becomes second nature.

One strategy that has worked well for me is proactively identifying potential bottlenecks early in the process. By anticipating challenges, I can adjust workflows, allocate resources efficiently, and set realistic expectations with clients. I also make it a priority to provide regular progress updates, which helps build trust and ensures alignment throughout the project. In my experience, transparency and proactive problem-solving go a long way in maintaining client satisfaction under tight deadlines.

First, tackle the problems you can solve quickly and efficiently. Take things one step at a time, ensuring steady progress. Be transparent in your approach, as clear and open communication is key to success.