It might be tempting to put your head in the sand until the Brexit madness is over but unfortunately, most businesses don’t have that luxury. The show must go on, despite the never-ending turmoil. 

But with so much still up in the air, making any definitive decisions or long-term plans isn’t easy. Consequently, businesses have to focus on staying as flexible and agile as possible to adapt to the constantly shifting political and economic landscape, while maintaining open channels of communication with staff and customers at all times. Doing so will ensure that when decisions are finally made, you’re ready to respond and thrive, whatever the outcome.

Here are a few ways that freelance marketing, communications and PR talent can help:

Flexible talent

Taking on permanent hires can seem risky with so much unpredictability on the horizon. But with freelancers, you don’t have that problem. Available for short-term projects, or on a part-time, flexible basis, freelancers are a much lower commitment than full time members of staff or signing long contracts with an agency. So, if you’re looking to boost your profile, or drive sales through a PR, marketing or content campaign, then freelance talent is the perfect solution, allowing you to flex up and down, depending on your needs and budget.  

Crisis and issues management

The uncertain political and economic climate means that there’s a higher chance than usual that your business could face reputational issues, or even a crisis, at some point in the coming months. Whether it’s communicating a relocation to Europe, downsizing your business, or dealing with delays in the delivery of products and services, if stories like this reach the media, it pays to be prepared. Planning your strategy in advance ensures you can influence the messages being put out about you, defend your corner and maintain your hard-won goodwill amongst customers and the public. And who better to help you prepare and respond to potential media storms than a highly experienced crisis management freelancer, who can provide calm and expert advice when you need it.

Brexit newsjacking

But Brexit doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom from a PR perspective; it could even be a good way of securing some bumper column inches for your brand. If you think you’re sick to the back teeth of hearing about the dreaded ‘B’ word, then imagine how journalists feel, as they desperately try to think of something new to say about the Groundhog Day situation we find ourselves in. If your business or spokesperson has a novel perspective on what’s going on, what’s coming next, or has a Brexit-related story to tell, chances are the media will want to hear about it.

Internal Communications

From worries about redundancies and relocation plans, to managing pan-European supply chains, the current climate is unsettling for employees - many of whom may be EU nationals, worried about what the changes mean for their future. That’s why right now internal communications has never been more important, to reassure employees, while providing as much clarity as possible about how the business could be affected, and what staff should expect in the months and years to come. Whether it’s emails, blog posts or more formal speeches and presentations, a freelancer with a background in internal comms can help you develop your strategy and draft copy that will keep your people engaged.  

Expanding abroad

If you’re one of the companies investing abroad due to Brexit, or if you’re thinking of taking the opportunity to spread your business wings, then you’ll want some local marketing and comms talent on hand to support your efforts. Thankfully, freelancing is booming around the world, which means that it’s easier than ever to find the exact skills you require, and with the flexibility you need when entering a new market. Whether you’re looking for help developing a marketing strategy, product launch, social media or content creation, the freelance marketplace gives you access to a wealth of expertise – wherever you happen to be.

British businesses are old-hands at carrying on through thick and thin, whatever the government or the economy throws at them - and Brexit is no different. What’s more, with a strong pedigree in marketing, communications and PR, this is one of the best places in the world to be for talent to help boost your profile and growth during tough times. The stiff upper lip always prevails, and with the help of some flexible freelance talent, businesses will continue to take on the world - Brexit or no Brexit.  

If you’re looking for freelance support to help you navigate Brexit, then The Work Crowd has a community of over 2,000 freelancers with a whole range of communications and marketing expertise, who can help. To find out more, or post a project, then drop us a line at hello@theworkcrowd.com or give us a call on 020 3828 8440, and we can chat through how it works.