You'd probably be surprised at all of the alternate titles a Traffic Manager can have. Well, let's first start with what a Traffic Manager does from a technical side. Here's a long description of my job, if you are interested.

Basically, it says that I'm in charge of shepherding all projects through the agency according to their assigned timelines and resources. Sounds pretty simple, right?

Well, that's where the alternate titles come in:

1. Situational Engineer (aka Puzzle Worker, aka Cat Herder)
With as many as 300 (is that number correct?) or more active jobs circulating through our 30-person shop at one time, the management of our tasks is no small puzzle. Have you ever seen one of these? Traffic management is just like that.

2. Dedicated Diplomat (aka Mediator)
I always have to keep my cool AND I always have to motivate our team to do what we need done on occasionally unreasonable timelines. I've always said I like to catch more flies with honey. Maybe my second career will be with the United Nations!

3. Ace Negotiator (aka Crisis Manager)
From time to time, stuff's gotta shift. You know how it goes - hot projects come in, deadlines change because of unforeseen circumstances, people are out for sickness or vacation. So, I have to get everyone to meet in the middle AND still meet project requirements.

I challenge you to find anyone else in the world who has the same job description as a marketing agency Traffic Manager!