April 2008: In this issue...

Now's a Good Time for Employers and Potential Candidates to Test Drive, Kick the Tires

By Ron Torch, CEO & Chief Marketing Officer - Torch Group Inc.

Why consider hiring an interim professional? As the economy declines and we experience a downturn, company executives remain cautious about hiring - but they still must keep the company machine running. As a highly specialized marketing staffing firm with an extensive, nationwide database of interim marketing professionals, Torch Group has helped to keep the company wheels of businesses moving along for more than 10 years. In fact, we anticipate an increased demand for the practice of "test driving" interim executives. Now is also a good time to seek out interim employment before committing to a company whose chemistry may change with a new hiring manager, or selecting a company that may look entirely different as the economy climbs out of this downturn.

During an economic downturn, companies generally hold back or put a freeze on hiring. In effect, they stall the business engine by neglecting to apply the necessary upkeep and maintenance. Companies today are more cautious about adding to a full-time staff, and, as a result, employees are feeling the burden of budget slicing. So naturally, there is concern that the company's machine may stall in its progress.

"Companies are in a psychological recession. As a result, they are freezing jobs, but still companies want assurance that work is successfully accomplished. Actually, nationwide, we are seeing that a growing percentage of all searches are going unfilled. This can be hurtful to the long-term growth of a company. Perhaps now is a good time to test out an interim staffing strategy. Interim staffing allows companies to stay on top of the day-to-day work that must be done - without making the overhead commitment required when hiring full-time employees."

Ronald S. Torch
President & CEO
Torch Group, Inc.

Unlike the 2001 recession, one thing today has changed significantly - the large number of retiring boomers has created greater awareness and greater utilization of interim executives to help ease the loss of key players. Torch Group, with a databank that includes 5,000 highly experienced contractors in more than 80 marketing disciplines and 80 different industries can quickly come to the aid of companies seeking to hire highly qualified candidates on an interim basis. As an industry, in the last seven years, firms like Torch Group, who provide interim managers, have observed an industry growth rate of more than 15 percent a year. Today a significant number of CEOs, CMOs and HR Directors now recognize the flexibility and genuine benefit of using an interim executive.

"Hiring an interim manager has worked for the Cleveland Institute of Art as an efficient way to bridge the gap as we search for the right person for our full-time senior marketing position. An interim manager ensures that we can keep the lights on and move ahead. An interim professional may even work out so well, that he or she becomes our full-time choice, since we know how well that individual fits in with the organization."

Nancy Stuart, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Provost
Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, Ohio

The most compelling reason to place a manager in an interim position is the rapid access to quality talent Torch Group can provide. That access, along with proven management skills, and the experience and background to succeed with the job at hand, make interim staffing a wise choice during these difficult times. In fact, Torch Group has placed highly qualified interim executives within a week's notice.

Essentially, interim contractors are typically more experienced, so they can start up immediately from the first project they manage.

In dollars and cents, well-qualified interim managers do not rely on training to manage the task at hand. Cost savings average about one-third the cost of a full-time staff hire, when one considers time to train a less experienced person, relocation expenses, payroll taxes, healthcare and other benefits. With this ROI, it is easier to justify the cost of an interim contractor, who may become a full-time employee, further improving the ROI.

As technology, globalization and the work/life balance change the landscape of the marketing workplace, we all must think differently about how to search for talent and seek out job opportunities. Torch Group, located in Cleveland, Ohio can help clients and candidates adapt to these diverse conditions by providing talented professionals, flexibility, speed and staffing options.

By carefully analyzing the true needs of our clients and the unique skill sets of our marketing, sales and communications professionals, we're able to deliver custom-tailored staffing solutions to our clients and challenging opportunities for our marketing professionals.

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We can help.

As acknowledged experts in the field of marketing and innovative talent solutions, we’re structured and poised to help you find that perfect CIO -- or complement your existing staff with highly-specialized marketing talent. Whichever way you go, Torch Group can be a valued partner to your company. We’re experienced in finding the talented full-time marketing professionals you need . . . or flexible marketing contractors and consultants if desired. Give me a call at 440.519.1822 or e-mail me at rontorch@torchgroup.com.

Ronald S. Torch
President & CEO
Torch Group, Inc.
. . . your source for marketing talent