October 2005: In this issue. . .

The Virtual Contractor - Unique Talent May Be More Accessible Than You Think

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

In today's technology driven age, we have access to information, research, knowledge and experience that goes well beyond our own individual capacities. With the power of computers and the Internet, we can virtually travel all over the country and the far reaches of the world. We can find advice from the greatest minds of both the past and the present on nearly every subject imaginable; buy and sell almost anything; conduct business and discover any nugget of information we hunt for.

We have access not only to information, but also to people with the knowledge and skills we seek who were previously unavailable to us. Today, individuals and businesses collaborate from geographically dispersed locations to a much larger degree than ever before – enabled by information and communication technology. This has led to the emergence of the Virtual Organization, the Virtual Employee and now the Virtual Marketing Contractor. Read More

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

Tap into talent...

Through Torch Group's network of virtual marketing, communications and creative professionals, businesses can tap into previously unavailable talent in real time and across the globe. With thousands of contractors available, representing over 80 highly-specialized functional areas, you can access whatever hard-to-find skills and experiences you need without the restriction of location.

Here is an example of how aTorch GroupVirtual Contractor served the needs of a client:

• A global financial services firm needed a sophisticated financial writer to create a series of articles targeted to Fortune 500 CFO's and senior financial executives on the pro's and con's of Asset-Based Lending. They did not have the talent in-house and were unsuccessful in finding local writers with the depth of understanding required in their own major metropolitan area.

• The company was referred toTorch Groupin order to expand their efforts. They were unconcerned about where this person lived, knowing that they needed to find very specific experience. Through their network of virtual contractors,Torch Groupfound the perfect fit – a financial writer that had published Asset-Based Lending articles and possessed the precise expertise to fulfill the assignment 100% virtually fromNew England, while the client was headquartered in theDeep South.

Being tied to a specific city, county or region to find highly-specialized contractors is no longer necessary. Highly qualified marketing, communications and creative contractors are available virtually – from almost anywhere. Specialized virtual networks, such as theTorch Group's, can open up new opportunities for marketing departments and ad agencies to tap into the very best talent, regardless of the contractor's location, while saving time, money and resources in identifying and qualifying the exact contractor you are looking for.

Virtual marketing, communications and creative contractors have expertise from a broad spectrum of industries and offer a full slate of skills and talents in areas such as advertising, corporate communications,writing/copywriting, graphic design,web & interactive,marcom,media planning/buying, brand and product management, creative services, direct& databasemarketing, marketing research, online marketing, pricing, promotions, andpublicity. Some of the best talent in the world is available at the mere touch of a keyboard. These experts can be accessed on a short or long-term basis for projects and assignments anywhere in the world.

Many companies are now experiencing the tremendous benefits of tapping into this virtual talent pool. Whether your need is for an influx of experience not in your organization, new thinking and creativity, a highly-specialized skill set or just extra arms and legs to help get through a backlog of writing, design and marketing projects, the virtual contractor may be the most cost effective and expedient solution.

Among all the options available to businesses to fulfill marketing, communications and creative projects, the virtual contractor is an extremely viable one. The cost savings and flexibility of finding the exact expertise you need – from anywhere in the world – is one of the greatest advantages of our technology driven society.

We would be happy to talk with you about the advantages and how-to's of using Torch Group's Virtual Contractors for your marketing, communications and creative needs. We welcome your inquiries – give us a call.

Signup To Receive TorchLight Via Email

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