August 1, 2005: In this issue. . .

Mitigate Your Hiring Risks

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

More and more companies are learning about the many advantages of "test driving" the talent they need until a full-time hiring decision can be made. Engaging a contractor not only relieves the pressure to hire immediately and the sometimes unfortunate consequences of a too-rapid decision, but also provides the time and opportunity to observe an individual's performance, capabilities and potential. On-site observations also provide new insights into the job itself, allowing management the chance to reshape the job duties and responsibilities. The benefits and contributions become clearer, making it easier to justify a full-time hire.

Mitigate your hiring risks.

Consider alternative staffing solutions.

The question of 'lease or buy' is usually relegated to decisions regarding cars, homes, apartments or even furniture and computers. But it is also an important question to consider when dealing with the staffing and hiring needs of your organization.

Whether your needs are within the executive ranks, middle management or entry level positions, there are many staffing alternatives to hiring that allow for flexibility while minimizing the associated risks of time, money and productivity.

When you lease a car, you have it for an extended amount of time before you need to make a decision to buy or not. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to really determine if the car suits your life style, travel needs, budgets and if it is really the best investment for you – over the long run. At the end of the lease, you feel confident in your decision to buy or choose another model. The costs involved in making a bad buying decision far outweigh any incremental leasing costs.

It is much the same in hiring. More and more companies are learning about the many advantages of "test driving" the talent they need until a full-time hiring decision can be made. Engaging a contractor not only relieves the pressure to hire immediately and the sometimes unfortunate consequences of a too-rapid hiring decision, but also provides the time and opportunity to observe an individual's performance, capabilities and potential within the scope of the job responsibilities.

Regardless of the interviewing process, these on-site observations are not otherwise possible. Often times, these observations also provide new insights into the job itself, allowing management the chance to reshape the job duties and responsibilities. Once a contractor is in place in an interim role, and the full scope of the job unfolds, the benefits and contributions become clearer and it is subsequently easier to justify a full-time hire to senior management.

Here is an example of how Torch Group's Human Capital Solutions provided management with enough time to make the best hiring decision:

Situation:
A major financial institution needed a Marketing Communications person immediately to manage a growing number of projects and get the department back on its feet following the sudden departure of a long-term executive and unsuccessful attempts at back-filling this position.

This company had conducted the search themselves over the course of more than three months without result. The increasing loss of time and productivity and diminishing morale made it prohibitive to continue with the same search strategy.

Solution:
Torch Group recommended a highly-qualified, local marcom contractor that could start immediately on an interim basis to lighten the project load; providing time to re-evaluate all of their staffing options. Within one week, Torch Group had an interim manager in place that was such a perfect fit, that the individual was offered full-time employment following their three month assignment.

There is a wide-range of marketing talent available to fill your staffing needs – on every level within your organization. If you would like more information on how to tap into this pool of professionals, we invite you to give us a call. We will be happy to walk you though the how-to's of minimizing your hiring risks through alternative staffing solutions.

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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