The APG Training Network was great exprience a few weeks back. Half of that was learning, half was peering at other agencies and meeting other planners. That said, the coursework was tough.
You put in big groups and if you ask six planners the same question, you’ll get seven answers. It took ages to get anything done. But on the other hand, pairs seems like a good idea. Double acts are not a guarantee of greatness……
But when it works, it really works..
It’s no accident that creatives work this way andI’m increasingly finding that better thinking comes from lots of conversation, bouncing things around and generally shooting the breeze with a trusted partner. More than two becomes a bun fight, but someone to keep you sharp and work things out with is invaluable.
The job is far more complex than it ever was. When planners first emerged there was one commercial TV station, press and posters. Most stuff was mass market and attention was guaranteed. We all know it’s not like that anymore (was it ever really?).
Is these days of timesheets, the amount of man hours is rigorously checked, offocially, you’re on your o your own a fair bit, but if you’re officially allowed a partner, find one anyway. It might be a suit, creative or planner, it doesn’t really matter as long you enjoy each other’s company, respect the other’s opinion and listen as well as talk. Everywhere I’ve worked I’ve found a non-threatening sounding board to talk to, swap thoughts and work things out. You should too. No one is perfect. They can save you from something really dumb, and sometimes show you the wood rather than the trees.
NORTHERN PLANNER 
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