Why do marketers with long careers company-side decide to start working on a contract basis? For one thing, it can be a more profitable arrangement, but this on the whole doesn’t seem to us at marketingmoves to be the most common motivator.

First and foremost, our marketing contractors enjoy the change and challenge of new projects, where they can get stuck in and make a big difference in short amount of time. They bring their unique expertise to each role, delivering quick wins and giving actionable advice on longer term strategic issues. Instead of getting bogged down by details and daily distractions, they can focus on achieving a set number of goals in a certain time, and then move on once the job’s done.

Contracting comes in many forms, but it’s rarely boring. Whether you are redefining a company’s strategic priorities, setting up new processes, customer service programmes or metrics for measuring new initiatives or mapping out an innovative content programme, it’ll be an exciting leap into the frying pan. It means facing a new challenge, armed with the expertise and mental agility to overcome each obstacle as it comes, and ultimately, get the job done where others would fail. As Sally-Anne Burwell, who has contracted twice with marketingmoves at a large international IT company has told us, their experience and outside perspective really counts:

“Businesses need people with broad experience, who can come in quickly and get their hands dirty, whilst also seeing the bigger picture for the client-business. This is why they turn to interims.”

So far, so positive. It would be wrong of us to not show the other, less shiny, side of the coin. Not everyone gets on as a marketing contractor, and some go back to permanent positions afterward. Why?

It takes a certain kind of individual to deal with the challenge of interim. No matter how skilled you are, sometimes expectations can be unreasonable. You are not a panacea to all the company’s marketing ills and managing expectations can be tough. Setting realistic goals from the start is a good preventative measure here, but the temptation to overpromise can still be strong, especially when your new employer is infectiously enthusiastic about what you can do for them, or if they seem determined to push unrealistic goals on you. Pushing back gets easier with time though and keeps everyone happy in the long run.

Some marketers simply miss the comfortable dynamic of a long term team. As convenient as they are, human company can be lacking in work-from-home projects – a void which Skype and WebEx chats have not completely managed to fill. But then again, for some, the absence of long term colleagues only enhances their people skills. Marketing contractors have to build relationships quickly and most favour a collaborative working style.  They come to relish the chance to meet new people. After all, from a pragmatic perspective, it can expand their network. Who knows what doors this may open, as if by magic, further along the line?

Are you an experienced marketer stuck in a role with no potential progression or chomping at the bit for a new challenge? Do you find yourself at a crossroads in your career, and are looking for a new project to get you buzzing again?

Have a look at our interim opportunities or get in touch with Laura Barrett, our interim consultant and partner, on lbarrett@marketingmoves.com to discuss our new contract positions and get ready for a brand new challenge.

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