The market place has changed. It's no longer business as usual, North America is now following Europe and the UK in hiring Interim Managers. These are fully accredited Executives and Mid Level Managers working on an interim assignment or project only basis. Extra Help when needed, none of the costs when businesses don't!

1. Interim Management*
Interim management* is the temporary provision of management resources and skills.
Interim management can be seen as the short-term assignment of a proven heavyweight interim
executive manager to manage a period of transition, crisis or change within an organization. In
this situation, a permanent role may be unnecessary or impossible to find on short notice.
Additionally, there may be nobody internally who is suitable for, or available to take up, the
position in question.
History
Although there are historical antecedents like the Roman dictatorship, the concept of interim
management is usually believed to date back to the 1970s, when, in the Netherlands, permanent
employees were protected by long notice periods and companies faced large costs for
terminating employees. Hiring managers on a temporary basis was a solution.
Factors
There are several factors that make interim management the popular resourcing option that it has
become today:
1. Speed. Interim managers can be in place within days as opposed to weeks (essential
when time constraints are paramount).
2. Experience. Interim managers will be more than qualified for the position they are taking
on and will therefore be stepping down in responsibility. They will also have past
experience of similar challenges to the ones they are about to face. They should be
equipped to have an immediate effect and be productive from the outset, minimising the
risk of things going wrong and, more importantly, ensuring success.
3. Objectivity. Unencumbered by any previous involvement in company processes or staff
relationships, interim managers should provide a fresh perspective and be free to
concentrate on what's best for the business.
4. Accountability. Rather than taking on a purely advisory role (as a management consultant
would), interim managers are responsible and accountable line managers who will
implement and manage a business or project in their own right.
5. Effectiveness. Operating at or near board-level gives interim managers the authority to
effect significant change or transition within a company — unlike a temp, they're not just
there to ‘hold the fort’.
6. Commitment. Interim managers are typically committed to an interim career. For them,
this is never just something they are doing until a suitable permanent position is found. A
good interim manager should enjoy the challenge of the different assignments, take great
pride in maintaining the highest standards while realising that they are only ever as good
as their last job.
There are a number of different business situations that could result in the need for an interim
manager. Typically, these could be situations such as crisis management, sudden departure,
illness, death, change management, managing change or transition, sabbaticals, MBOs and IPOs,
mergers and acquisitions, and project management.
The interim management concept has now taken root in the UK, Germany, and Belgium, and is
spreading elsewhere, most notably in Australia, the US, France, Ireland, and with the economic
downturn, it is becoming more and more an established norm in Canada as well.

2. The seven phases of an Interim Management assignment
Phase 1 : Select the manager and confirm the assignment
The interim manager should be able to quickly adapt and analyse, to work autonomously, to be
result oriented, stress resistant, communicative, etc.
Also he must clearly understand the objective of his mission, potential deviations, means at his
disposal and the company he gets involved with.
Phase 2 : Prepare the assignment
Preliminary meetings should be used to gather information on the market, the company, the
operational rules, the current businesses and the staff. Once on the job, he will have to quickly
get his own opinion on many issues and persons; thus, all the information previously gathered will
make this work easier for him.
Phase 3 : Operational start of the assignment
The new manager should prepare his arrival well to ensure that his he gives an impression of
authority and serenity right from the beginning. He will have to quickly implement the first levers
of power: set up a management committee, build a circle of trustworthy people who will be his
sources of information, etc...
In this third phase, he quickly imposes his mark by setting the first rules and by taking some safe
decisions.
Phase 4 : Observe, analyse … and navigate at sight
When the circumstances are favourable, the transition manager takes some time to study the
environment he is in charge of before determining how to achieve the defined goal. Mostly he
must act quickly though. He may even have to take important decisions right from the first day. In
that case he must do everything at once and to the best of his abilities - manage, observe and
analyze the company in order to be able to get to the following phase as soon as possible.
Phase 5 : Action plan definition
The action plan must be a mix of ideas from the interim manager, bringing an external point of
view and expertise, and the best ideas from his staff who will feel valued when their opinion has
been taken into account. Sometimes circumstances need a quick reaction and priority changes. It
is very important though that some actions with strong impact are carried out as soon as possible.
Phase 6 : Execution and communication
Once the interim manager has established his leadership and the action plan has been
announced, he needs to prove himself. The action plan must remain the axis of the assignment. It
can be adapted if some actions prove irrelevant or unfeasible. The regular publication of its
progress is vital to show the team as well as the client the progress made to reach the objective.
Phase 7 : Power transfer
Once the objective has been achieved, the interim manager finishes his mission by transferring to
the succeeding management all his knowledge regarding the entity he was in charge of, the
progress report of the action plan and his advice for the future.

3. 10 Steps to Resourcing an Interim Manager
Step 1 - Be clear about why you need an interim manager and define your
objectives in a written brief. This helps providers to fully understand your
requirements and enables them to find the most appropriate interim executive
for your organisation
Step 2 - Secure budget approval before engaging a service provider. Interim
management is a high-value solution to address key projects or meet urgent
leadership needs. Understanding the benefits the assignment will bring is
essential to setting and approving an appropriate budget prior to hire
Step 3 - Ensure the key sponsor of the interim executive controls the hiring
process and is involved in the selection. Nominate a point of contact
responsible for providing ongoing, swift and responsive decision-making (the
world of interims moves fast!)
Step 4 - When selecting an interim provider ask for proof of their credentials:
details of past assignments, their client base, insurances and processes
Step 5 - Insist on a face-to-face briefing with the interim provider prior to
engagement. This is a people business, and you need to meet the people with
whom you are working
Step 6 - Expect a carefully selected shortlist and small number of CVs, who the
service provider knows or has/will interview. You are paying them to find the
right person, not inundate you with CVs
Step 7 - Ensure that your provider gives you written Terms and Conditions,
Pricing Schedules and the specific details before signing the contract
Step 8 - Expect a full documentation pack upon contract including notes of
reference checks
Step 9 - Expect the provider to keep in touch with you and the interim once the
contract is up and running, with regular feedback and guidance
Step 10- Expect an end of assignment report, to help with your internal audit
and governance and gain any last insights from the interim.
* The proceeding courtesy of Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The following is an example of an Interim pitch
for Marketing & Communication Services

4. How to Solve Your Marketing Problems without Breaking the Bank!
Hire a Marketing and Communications professional on an
Interim basis and get measurable and meaningful results!
Interim Marketing & Communications Management gives you the benefit
of specific, professional skills and experience as you need them. Extra help
when you need it - none of the costs when you don't!
Got a Marketing or Communication’s headache? Think of me as Excedrin®
Either your Marketing Manager or Head of Communications is going on maternity leave
and you have a big project that needs handling now! Rather than rush the hiring process
and run the risk of getting the wrong person, call me, and I will handle your project in a
professional and cost efficient basis, after all it’s your reputation and career that’s on the
line. As well as having a background as VP of Marketing in the Consumer Packaged Goods Sector, I have a
proven 12 year track record as VP of Marketing and Creative with Canada’s largest Promotional Marketing
Company and as Founder and Creative Director of a 15 person Marketing and Communications Agency.
We effectively developed business driven strategies and successfully executed results driven marketing
programs for Not for Profit, Government and prominent Fortune 500 client companies as diverse the H.J. Heinz
Co. (10 year contract), Foodland Ontario (4 year government contract), and Molson Breweries Ltd.
(internationally acknowledged for our $2.5million multimedia launch of their Molson Dry brand). In depth
experience includes both a knowledgeable and practical hands on experience across virtually all facets of
Advertising, Public Relations, Consumer Research, Promotional Marketing, Trade Shows, Packaging & Design.
With a focus on driving business results first and foremost, I have developed small business and large
corporate business and communication strategies for Financial, B2B, Government, Not for Profit and prominent
Fortune 500 client companies as diverse the Scotiabank, the H.J. Heinz Co. (10 year contract), Foodland
Ontario (4 year government contract), and Molson Breweries Ltd.
In a word I am a “doer”. I will not tell you how to do it; hire me and get it done, period; no ifs ands or
buts. I am now available to personally work with you front and centre or quietly in the background to assist you
bridge a pregnancy leave or handle that special marketing and/or communication project. Experienced as:
President - Impaq Marketing & Communications VP of Marketing and Creative – Gaylord Planned
Promotional Marketing Agency – Clients: Cadbury, Promotions – Staff of 115, Revenues of $150 million.
H.J. Heinz, Molson Breweries, Campbell Soup, Responsible for Creative Product and staff of 35
Kraft General Foods, Foodland Ontario (Ont. Gov.), business focus included Public Relations, Consumer
Scotia Bank, Colgate Palmolive, UNICEF, Atari, Promotions, Sales, Marketing, Advertising, Direct
Tambrands, S. C. Johnson, Pillsbury, Coca Cola Marketing, Trade Shows and Special Events.
Foods. VP of International Marketing - McCain Foods
Responsible for Marketing, Advertising, PR, Consumer
Won both Canadian and International awards for
Promotions for Major International and regional
Creative work, as well as packaging and design.
Restaurant chains for 79 countries on five continents
So what’s in it for you? A fresh, objective approach, anchored by strategic thinking; I will assist you:
Develop and execute Sweeps, Reposition your Brands Brand Management & Sales
contests, instant wins, PR & or Business Management Training using best
Advertising campaigns. Develop B2B or Consumer methods – I have taught Xerox
On Line, eblasts, viral and print , Promotions; 10+ yrs. award Professional Selling Skills & Dale
Develop creative strategy wining Promotions & Events Carnegie
Maximize marketing efficiency for Fortune 500 Companies Fill sudden vacancy or specialist
Handle New Product Undertake New Business skills gap over the short term
Development & Launches & Market Development Deliver meaningful results!
But lets face it, at the end of the day no matter how it’s packaged, no matter your education, background or
past successes, business comes down to only one thing - results! This is where I excel. I deliver fast,
effective solutions. And I have the proven relevant experience and necessary tools to provide you with a
highly valuable strategic resource for your organization. Put me to the test today by calling me if you need
serious help in solving your Marketing or Communications needs.
For immediate relief call me at 416-305-1672 or email at carl@impaqmarketing.com

5. Interim Management Enables You
to benefit from specific skills and experience, as you need them. Extra help
when needed - none of the costs when you don't - stretching your budget.
Managing your business to accommodate fluctuating demands without being overstaffed
during down times is a difficult challenge. But there is an answer. I deliver fast, effective solutions to meet your immediate
management needs by providing a highly valuable strategic resource for your firm on an interim or project only basis.
MY CORE COMPETENCIES: Creative Director of Canada’s largest Promotional Marketing firm, domestic and International
Marketing, Brand Management, Sales Management, Market Development, Strategic Planning, Operations, Change
Management, Marketing Research, Promotions & Public Relations Professional, Viral marketing, digital and social
programs, Advertising, Sales Training and Incentive planning, New Products, Skilled in various Idea Generation
techniques including Synectics, Business Development, Client Relations, Distribution, Global Product Management,
Global Strategic Alliances, Finance, Taught - Xerox Professional Selling Skills & Dale Carnegie.
Benefits of employing Carl Cassidy as
an Interim Marketing Manager, Sales Manager Here’s How Carl Can Help You
Communication Manager or General Manager
Immediately effective, can hit the ground running A seasoned professional with a proven background
Flexibility, a solution to suit your needs based on your with large and small business Marketing and
objectives. communications of all stripes across all media.
Objectivity, a fresh approach, free from any political Meet sudden vacancy, or specialist skills gap as
constraints or corporate baggage needed on a short term basis but with the added
Value for money, a highly skilled professional, a advantage of long term results
member of your staff when needed, none of the costs Communications and Promotion Development and
when you don't. Ideal for unexpected heavy work Management, 12+ years hands on experience
loads, staff shortages or temporary leaves. developing and fielding PR, Promotions and Events for
Control, you retain control of objectives and major Fortune 500 companies for Consumer, B2B,
timescales, ideal for confidential or sensitive Financial, Not for Profit, Government agencies and
assignments, or when a neutral outside view is organizations. Won National & International awards.
needed Special projects – ideally suited for short term
Accountability to you, not an outside agency or marketing and or communications projects of all types.
another division. New product launches, planning, design creative
No supervision required, you are free to get on with development including packaging and advertising and
other things, because I have been there and know sales materials and support.
what you need done and know how to do it - fast,
Creative “juice” for sales material, in store materials,
economically and with measurable and meaningful
brochures, direct mail, copy writing, creative inputs.
results – to your satisfaction!
Advertising, PR and Communication’s professional
Shares skills and experience, anything I learn is
with a track record of successes with virtually all media
passed on to your staff – my involvement pays
including Social Media and Viral Marketing.
dividends through staff exposure to proven
professional approaches. – virtually built in training Customer research and analysis of your business
and tutoring for staff in best methods by an strategy at the local market, regional and country level
experienced professional’s hands on involvement Training for Sales and Marketing personnel by an
Immediate availability, as little as 48 hours notice; accomplished international VP – I have proven Sales
can work in your office or off site depending on need and Marketing Management skills and I have taught
and the sensitivity of the assignment. Xerox Professional Selling Skills and Dale Carnegie
Think of me as Excedrin® when you have a business headache! Call me today
416-305-1672 or email carl@impaqmarketing.com