When I was at Ad-Tech this April, the Media Buying and Planning session was early on completely overtaken by discussion between the audience and the pannel on how to find and keep online buyers and planners. Agencies and decision makers in both large companies and small were busting at the seams with online business but could not find any qualified people to manage this business. They were clamoring- desperately in need of help.

Online media buyers and planners who- jackie is right- sit up and look over the grass for a minute- see that they are now a rare species - as in demand as a cold beer on a 51 degree day but as hard to find as the elusive lost sock at the laudromat. And since many of these companies who want them either can’t afford to pay big salaries that they can’t walk away from, or don’t want to (media is not banking after all), maybe it’s time for media agencies to think outside the box. Maybe finding freelancers isn’t such a bad idea!

You may want to have someone in house, you may need their skills, you may think what you’re giving them is great or better than what everyone else might be getting in terms of office space, benefits, or fast computers…but if you want to keep this rare breed in the face of the enormous pile of work now put in front of them- stop what you’re doing and right after you read this- go over to their desk and ask them:
1) are they happy?
2) is their work load ok?
3) what do they feel stressed about?
4) what would they need in order to stay forever?

Maybe they’ll say they’re 100% happy in which case pat yourself on the back and treat yourself to a really nice dinner (with your media buyer) - this is really fantastic and you’re doing great!

But chances are they’ll say they’re overwhelmed with the amount of work that needs to be done (if you’re an agecny these days)…maybe they’ll say they want more money, or maybe they’ll say that they want to work from home and get out of the workplace insanity so they can think. Maybe they’ll say they want to go on vacation and work remotely on part time hours for a month. Maybe they’ll say they want to bring their dog to work.

I urge you- whatever they say-go to your happy place and think - ask yourself if there is any reason why you can’t or dont’ want to give it to them. Ask if they are replacable. If you find that you need them, and you can meet their request- do it! You will keep your employees for ever (almost) if you do! There’s nothing worse for your mind and business than continually hiring training and losing people to the bed hopping taking place in this business.

Long story short- if you have one that you like- consider yourself lucky and do what you can to keep them. Take a page out of Google’s book is what I’m saying! It seems to be working well for them, right?

A freelancer is dedicated strictly to perform the work you have hired them to do. Allowing the time and energy to make your search campaigns actually work. There are no other “destractions” to pull away from focusing on your campaigns. And we work hard so you continue to work with us. We can’t get too cushy- cause there’s other freelancers out there.