Don’t Rule Us Out
A recent story in the Oakland Business Review caught the eye of many of us here at JB&A. In the January 18 issue, “Sending the Message - In-house marketing catches on, saves money”, Duane Ramsey reported on a local company that has done just that.
As a long-time agency public relations counselor, and having worked in a corporate communications team setting as well, I understand both sides of the argument.
One point of view that wasn’t included in the story is the added value that agencies of all types (public relations, marketing, graphic design, advertising and others) bring to their clients. Agencies function in several capacities on behalf of clients. Our clients view us as a strategic partner, executive trainer, creative director, event planner, media relations manager, writer, marketer, internal communications counselor, spokesperson, crisis communications manager, extra staff, meeting coordinators … the list goes on.
We also provide clients with access to senior communications professionals, with experience that companies otherwise could not afford to hire in-house. For example, our management team at John Bailey & Associates Public Relations has more than 100 years of combined experience in a number of different industries, from automotive, retail, professional services, government, higher education, chemicals, and technology, among others. Our team of 30 offers clients a wealth of diverse experience that would be unmatched in most corporate communications team.
Agencies also operate in an environment of extreme flexibility, where we can provide one, six, 12 or 20 people to meet client needs at any time, in order to provide support for projects and programs. The depth of our team allows us to call upon our most experienced professionals in a particular practice area or industry based on client need.
While some companies do well to hire some of their talent in-house, in today’s business environment, it makes sense to evaluate all options before ruling agencies out.
January 25th, 2007 at 10:48 am
Any business of any size should have at least one PR/marcom pro in-house, if not several. That’s just common sense. This assumes said pro(s) possess(es) some level of seasoned expertise and values outside counsel. Otherwise, you’re just calling yourself a “brand manager” or a “PR specialist”. With all due respect to the two employees portrayed in the article, they look like their previous post was behind the cash register.
For that matter, Mr. Ramsey’s article examines just two instances of local companies doubling up on staff workloads and declaring that trendworthy. I challenge that publication, or any for that matter, to survey southeastern Michigan companies, then analyze and present those findings in a pedagogic manner rather than allow such presumptive reporting to publish.
…assuming, of course, said news organization has the capability in-house.
February 2nd, 2007 at 10:11 am
I could not have said it better myself. Nice reply, Michelle. Most companies don’t fully understand the value in which a PR firm can bring them. It is often better to have that outside counsel and support at your disposal.