"A Marketing ... PR Strategy for a Slowing Economy." Part 3.

outsource providers find ways to profitably service them. Embracing the free agent economy, senior marcom practitioners living in the suburbs (better schools and affordable housing) are starting to "just say no" to adding two hours of daily commute time -- departing downtown agencies (or being let go out in favor of cheaper, junior staff) to work for their own clients and smaller agencies closer to home. This is creating more affordable, project-based PR/marcom options for many tech companies with refined, controlled budgets.

For many clients, outsourced and project-based marcom has an economic rationale, even in a strong economy. It allows companies to do more short-term activities without a large commitment. It makes sense to find a marcom outsource that will work on a project basis, or adapt to a flexible, needs-based budget that allows clients to pay for resources and counsel on an "as-used" basis. If a project proves successful, they certainly can lead to longer-term relationships. Projects are a