Today it's often the communications budget that's the first to be slashed when company leaders are looking for ways to reduce costs. Communication specialists are often looked at as an expense rather than as an investment. They're expendable in a corporate re-organization. In many companies, Communication specialists today are expected to do more with less.
Facing the Communication Conundrum
Most large corporations have in-house Communication specialists. Many media, and especially smaller businesses, do not. Neither do many non-profit organizations or associations. And this can leave SMEs and non-profits, more so than larger organizations, in a communication conundrum.
Hire, or Outsource
Hiring a full-time Communications specialist is costly. There's a salary and benefits package; there are time and cost invested in recruitment. It can be difficult to find the right person for your organization. And what if the person you eventually hire quits within the first few months, or a year or two? You've invested thousands of dollars in the hiring process, and now you have to do it all over again.
Outsource Options
If you're looking at outsourcing for your communication needs, there are several options to consider. Large agencies usually have a lot of staff (and salaries and overhead to pay), so their fees are often much higher, and perhaps unaffordable for your communication budget. Think about your needs, and whether you really need a big agency partner to handle them.
Dealing with Multiple Suppliers
Some companies when they're outsourcing hire different providers for different services-a writer for this, and a graphic designer for that, for example. But it means you're managing a host of different suppliers and dealing with numerous invoices.
Sometimes it just makes sense to go one-stop and engage either a virtual team or a smaller, boutique agency that can provide all the services you need. They may sub-out certain parts of the project, but ultimately you're dealing with a single supplier and building a relationship with them.
Tying it all Together
Probably the most important thing in engaging an outsource ally is, make sure you have a written contract or letter of agreement outlining what's to be done and by when, and the fees. This will help prevent any misunderstandings or conflicts. Those can end what could've been a great long-term relationship before it even gets off the ground.
Benefits fo the Outsourcing
Outsourcing for your communication needs has a lot of advantages and benefits that can create a win-win for all parties involved. It can help you ramp-up your communications while keeping things cost-effective. For Communication specialists, adding value for you starts with building a great relationship.
Final Words
The right outsources ally will help you achieve your goals to drive your business forward, and be in it for the long-haul with you. They'll help you survive crises and bumps along the road, and they'll help you celebrate your successes, too. When you've found the right ally, you'll instinctively know it.
