Public relations is listed as one of the top careers for 2010, and this year, consultants are in the catbird seat.
There are a number of indications that the economy is slowly picking up. In addition to a minor uptick in spending, jobless claims have fallen to 17-month low and CNN reports that “more than half (54%) of companies that froze salaries in 2009 are planning a thaw over the next few months.”
These stats may be just a ray of light for job seekers, but they’re excellent news for solo PR pros. It’s a known fact that hiring lags a recovery. So, what happens to that resource-strapped director of marketing who just got the go-ahead for a pet PR project, but hasn't been given the green light to re-hire for the positions left vacant by laid off employees? They hire a consultant to help with the workload.
The upswing for PR consulting is upon us. And with each down cycle of the economy, more people have positive experiences with consultants, which result in more opportunities long-term. 2010 is the year we show our worth – let's go get 'em!
Are you seeing any signs of the upswing? How are you making the most of the current environment?
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Photo credit:laurenatclemson
You're right, Kellye…my clients have the most exciting projects planned. They had some rough months…but are looking to me to help reach some really cool dreams again because they trust that I'll help them make smart, *calculated* risks. It's wonderful.
Kellye – thank you for your thoughts on freelancers. I was a freelancer before I joined HMA Public Relations and have had many occassions over the years to contract work out to others in the market. There is plenty of business in the marketplace for the sole practitioner and the agencies. I look forward to continuing to find ways to work together. I am including a link to a blog post I wrote a few months back on just that topic.
http://hmatime.com/2009/07/06/agencies-and-indies/
That's great to hear, LuAnn. We'll look forward to hearing more about what you're up to, once you can share.
Thanks for sharing the link, and for your unique perspective. I agree with you completely — partnerships with PR agencies are the bread and butter for many consultants, and working with independents is a good way for agencies to manage the peaks and valleys in their workflow. As noted in this post, I think these cooperative work arrangements will be very common over the coming months as agency business starts to improve. It's a win-win.
That's great to hear, LuAnn. We'll look forward to hearing more about what you're up to, once you can share.
Thanks for sharing the link, and for your unique perspective. I agree with you completely — partnerships with PR agencies are the bread and butter for many consultants, and working with independents is a good way for agencies to manage the peaks and valleys in their workflow. As noted in this post, I think these cooperative work arrangements will be very common over the coming months as agency business starts to improve. It's a win-win.
These PR consultants can earn more by affiliate marketing or partnership with some PR agencies, AbbieF's blogpost is must read as well as yours.