"A Marketing... PR Strategy for a Slowing Economy". Part 2

basis. Most traditional tech agencies have pricing and business models that are not designed to accommodate these needs, but smaller ("boutique") agencies, virtual PR teams, and individual practitioners are a growing alternative for companies of all sizes, particularly those with monthly marcom budgets under $10,000. Like their clients, these outsources have to work smarter, faster, and cheaper in a slowing economy.

Working on a project basis usually goes against the grain of the profit models of larger agencies. Downtown offices with skyline views, employee salaries, benefits, and equipment are all overhead costs that must be passed along to the client. Large agencies need steady retainers to make sure financial goals and obligations are met. They may offer prestigious addresses and recognizable names, but the actual account work is often performed by young, inexperienced, staffers.

In adapting to market changes, agencies are starting to resemble consulting firms, and smaller clients are again desirable as