| Just this past week, we heard report after report | | | | the next marketing push. |
| about companies who are faced with the decision | | | | At the same time, when money is tight, they look to |
| whether to cut employees' salaries, or layoff | | | | marketing as one of the first departments to |
| workers. There is no question that companies, | | | | eliminate or trim. However, when times are tough, |
| nonprofits, and the public sector need to cut costs. | | | | isn't marketing the most important function for a |
| There simply isn't enough business coming in to | | | | company to sustain itself? |
| justify a full workforce for many organizations. | | | | On the other hand, by utilizing a marketing |
| But there is a business strategy - while not new - | | | | consultancy firm, a company knows exactly what |
| that is often overlooked simply because many | | | | they are paying for, and how much. There are no |
| companies just don't think of it, or are not familiar | | | | benefits or office space to provide, no support staff, |
| with it. | | | | and when slow seasons come around, a consultancy |
| Simply put, it is outsourcing. | | | | can be put on hold, or services cut back until they |
| Everybody knows what outsourcing means. Instead | | | | are needed again. No trauma letting employees go or |
| of staffing a company or organization with full-time | | | | cutting back hours. |
| employees, there are consultancy firms that can do | | | | Additionally, consultants are seasoned professionals |
| many jobs just as well, and often better, for less | | | | who are specialists and have encountered numerous |
| money. | | | | business challenges. |
| Here's an example. When it comes to marketing, | | | | But isn't a consultant expensive? The only thing I can |
| many enterprises believe they need an in-house | | | | say is in this economy, you'll find consultants willing to |
| marketing department. This often means a marketing | | | | negotiate fees and focus services to give you what |
| director, a public relations director and support staff. | | | | you need for a cost you can easily manage. |
| The costs for a full in-house marketing department | | | | Every company owes it to themselves to consider |
| include salaries, payroll taxes, health insurance, time | | | | the consultancy route at least for marketing services. |
| off for sick and vacation days and providing work | | | | It is definitely a way to not only save money, but |
| space. That adds up. And, when there is a business | | | | have professionals on your team who specialize in |
| cycle that doesn't require intensive marketing the | | | | what you need, when you need it. |
| company still has to pay the salaries and benefits until | | | | |