April 2008: In this issue...

Four Options For A Stress-Free Summer

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

Remember the good old 20th Century, when summer meant slowing the pace, taking a vacation and thinking about R&R? Not so today! We are all wired to be available 24/7. Today's business survival depends on keeping pace with global competition.

Likewise, today many companies are being asked to cut costs by reducing personnel. Even if we are connected 24/7, it is sometimes impossible to get projects completed well, and on time, if we don't have the right staff on hand!

"Because of tightened budget considerations, and increased competition in the world market, a relatively new staffing model has evolved into wide-spread use. Employers who use it gain access to the right talent for their needs, and marketing professionals will find the right work at the best companies. The model includes several options. Some options may fit your needs now; some may be better suited for another time. All are guaranteed to work!"

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

At Torch Group, we have been promoting a unique staffing model for more than 10 years. However, now, more than ever, this system is gaining new converts every day. Simply put, this staffing model uses alternatives to traditional full or part-time employment.

Staffing and Employment Options for the 21st Century
You've heard about it. You may have read about it. Maybe, you've thought about trying it. Customized Staffing Solutions is simply using the finest marketing talent whenever and however you need them. The following four staffing options are guaranteed to alleviate the stress of budget cuts and ensure some time for summer relaxation:

I. Interim Staffing
Right now, your company may be in transition. You have more projects than usual, have someone out on family leave or need to fill an open position immediately. Maybe your company is experiencing a hiring freeze; yet, there are still jobs that have to be done. Interim staffing provides you with flexible contractors who are available immediately to meet your needs for a temporary assignment.

"Using an interim marketing director is providing us with the time to better understand our needs, and to develop a list of very specific skills we require."

Executive Director, Cleveland Art Institute.

II. Freelancers
If you are expecting an extraordinary workload for a short time with an insufficient staff to handle it, this may be a good time to consider a highly qualified freelancer to help shoulder the burden. Freelance talent is a wise choice when there's a backlog of projects or an overload of work to be completed. Oftentimes, a freelancer can be a cost-effective alternative to paying your advertising agency or marketing firm to complete a project.

"Interim and freelance assignments are great alternatives and work well for talented professionals who find themselves in between full-time employment. Experience in an interim position may lead to other opportunities or even full-time employment later on!"

Michele Torch, EVP, Talent Acquisition Director
Torch Group, Inc.

III. Temp-to-Perm
Temp-to-Perm provides an agreement between companies and candidates to send up a trial balloon before making a full-time commitment. Just as it's impossible to know a person after a few "coffee dates," it's often difficult for a company or a candidate to make a definitive decision about a long-term employment commitment after a few hours of interviewing.

A Temp-to-Perm option provides real time interaction in a real work situation and takes most of the risk out of the hiring decision. If it works well for both parties, the employer and the candidate have the option to turn the temporary agreement into a permanent position. This option reduces uncertainties involved in a traditional interviewing and reduces mistakes in the hiring process.

Smart employers use this trial period to test a candidate's leadership, communication and cultural fit within their organization. Astute candidates test their personal fit with a potential employer, too.

IV. Consultants
What if you could rely on a cache of senior-level marketing, sales and communication professionals? What if these professionals could offer considerable counsel and a great depth of expertise at a moment's notice?

Engaging a consultant on an as-needed basis provides an employer with otherwise unaffordable or unavailable senior-level marketing, communications and sales talent. Consultants can lend their expertise to provide strategic solutions, marketing direction and issue resolution for short or long-term assignments.

Companies often seek a marketing consultant to provide plans and strategic direction to specific assignments such as branding and positioning, marketing, customer acquisition programs, new product development processes, online marketing strategies, marketing research insights, pricing, crisis communications and segmentation. A consultant brings a fresh perspective and helps companies gain a competitive edge.

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 clients and the unique skill sets of our marketing, sales and communications professionals, Torch Group is able to deliver custom-tailored staffing solutions to our clients and challenging opportunities for our marketing professionals.

If you are looking for cost-effective and stress-reducing talent options or the right opportunity with one of Torch Group's well-known clients; contact us 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