Freelance Market

I recently had many clients cut their marketing budget in 2008 due to the condition of the financial markets and the economy. I chose to search elsewhere then my usual methods to gain business. This led me into the current freelance market. There are organizations who develop the communication between established freelancers and businesses. Most require a membership fee annually.

So what does this have to do with marketing's future?

First off, it expands your geographic market. I recently lost a project to a design firm in India. they have been a member longer than me and have established a rank in the system. This group is currently ranked #2 in the graphic design category and have earned over $56k this year alone! Those earnings are only recorded if a project is awarded via the organization. They are also in India. They are able to bid lower for a higher quality of work due to the condition of their financial markets. This puts us American firms at a grave disadvantage.

This freelance market also drives the price of our goods and services down. Individuals are able to bid lower than traditional prices have allowed in the past. What the market would pay for a marketing plan even 5 years ago is monumental compared to what one is going for now.

Will this effectively end the modern marketing firm? Probably not. But it should be noted that it is an integral variable to what one day will threaten our occupation. Times, they are a changing. As marketers we already know how to beat this system. Adaptability and ingenuity are our cores and most of the good firms of today will be around in 25 years.