Marketing Staff VS Marketing Contractor
You’re in business and you know that marketing is essential to produce growth. Which one is best? Hiring a staff to do your marketing or hiring an outside marketing contractor? There are several pros and cons to both. The good news is that you have options, including having both a staff and hiring an outside consultant!
You Have Options
Let’s say you just launched a new product or service and you need a marketing campaign to spread the word. The marketing campaign can and should include several of the following:
- Brochures
- Banner on your website
- Press Release
- e-Newsletters
- Mail-out
- Advertise in magazine
- Advertise on billboard
- Advertise on radio
- Advertise on TV
- Post on all social media venues
- Word of mouth referrals on your website
I’m only listing a few, because I don’t want to be too long. Most of the items listed above cost money, from social media that cost nothing to TV commercials that cost a lot!
The Perception
Some people think that hiring a contractor might be very impersonal. After all, you hire them to do a service, pay them and that’s the end of it right? Well, as a Marketing Contractor, I would like to give my side of the story. I’m a strong believer in relationship and building strong rapport with my clients. I hope to never be “just a contractor” but an ally, friend and a long term partner that will help this company grow and be successful. No matter how the internet has changed the relationship aspects of business, the one aspect that remains as important as it was 100 years ago, is trust and relationship.
You Can Have Both a Staff and Contractor
I have worked successfully with a marketing staff to launch products/services. Companies are not limited, but have the option to work with their staff and hire outside contractors. I personally believe that it is beneficial hire outside marketing contractors at least twice a year, to bring forth a fresh objective and perception. Let’s face it, everyone has an idea when it comes to marketing! I’ve discovered that many of those ideas are all good, but might not be beneficial. Marketing Directors should embrace feedback from other professionals!
Benefits of Hiring a Marketing Contractor
There are many benefits to hiring a contractor to do your marketing. I will list a few in an effort to keep it short.
- You don’t have to deal with lazy or disgruntle employees who feel entitled all the time
- You can hire contractors on a month-to-month basis
- The contractor can still be a part of your company and meet with your sales team either in person or via Skype or gotomeeting.com
- You don’t have the extra expenses of salary, taxes or benefits
- A marketing contractor might have more resources available for you to use
- They have a bird’s view of what’s going on and can see the bigger picture more objectively
- They can think more like your potential customer
Being in business can be difficult and so many people wear different hats. I like the new Staples commercial with “Dave” and all the roles he plays in the business… but in the end, he’s one guy. Jack of all trades and master of none! When it comes to marketing, don’t compromise. Leave it to the experts to promote your products/services.
Make it a great day!
Helene
