In recent years, the market for interim managers has experienced a significant upswing. Companies are increasingly using this flexible resource to fill management positions at short notice or to drive specific projects forward.
In this context, the question arises as to whether we as interim managers should nowadays seek direct contact with providers or rely more on interim project exchanges. This article sheds light on this from the perspective of an interim manager.
Direct contact with providers

I have found that many of us prefer direct contact with specialized providers. This personal connection allows us to build long-term relationships that often lead to a better match between our skills and the requirements of the companies.
Providers have detailed knowledge of their clients and can therefore suggest specific interim managers who exactly fit the desired profile.
Quality versus costs
Another advantage of direct contact is quality assurance. Reputable providers have established processes to ensure that only highly qualified and reliable managers are placed. This gives both the companies and us managers a certain level of security.
However, this approach also has its challenges. The costs are often higher, as providers charge placement fees that can be borne by both the company and us interim managers.
In addition, providers only have a limited pool of candidates or projects available, which can restrict the selection options. For us interim managers, there is also the risk of a certain dependency on a few providers, which reduces the variety of projects on offer.
Interim project exchanges

In contrast, interim project exchanges offer a wide selection of projects, which gives us managers greater flexibility and more options.
These platforms generally charge lower fees than traditional providers, which can be more cost-effective for both us managers and the companies.
Transparency is another advantage: project exchanges often provide detailed information about the projects, including requirements, remuneration and duration, which makes decision-making easier.
How do I compete?
Competition on such platforms is high, which can make it more difficult for us interim managers to assert ourselves against other applicants and win projects.
Without pre-selection by a provider, the quality of the projects on offer also varies more and there is a risk of coming across less reputable offers. The anonymity that prevails on many project exchanges can lead to less personalized placement, as there is no direct relationship between company and manager.
It will be interesting to see how the established providers use the project exchanges in the future and what impact this will have on commissions as a whole.
Comparison and possibilities

Both approaches have their specific advantages and disadvantages. Direct contact with providers enables personalized and high-quality placement, but can be more cost-intensive and offer limited choice.
Interim project exchanges offer a wider choice and cost advantages, but require a high degree of initiative and the ability to assert oneself in a highly competitive environment.
Interim managers use both methods
For us interim managers, it is advisable to use both methods. The combination of building personal relationships with providers and using the wide range of project exchanges can offer the best chances of finding suitable projects and ensuring a diverse network.
Companies should carefully consider their specific needs and resources in order to choose the most suitable placement channel for them.
Ultimately, flexibility remains the key to success, both for us interim managers and for the companies that use our services.
It's still a people business

Despite all the technological advances and the growing importance of digital platforms, personal contact remains invaluable in business life. Long-term relationships and personal trust continue to play a central role.
As interim managers, we should therefore never neglect direct contact with providers and should maintain and expand our networks. Personal contacts always count for a lot and can often make the decisive difference.
Opportunities for interim managers
In any case, the "liberalization of the interim market" brings advantages for us interim managers, as we will be approached from several sides in the future. Let's explore this further at the next network meeting and discuss the best strategies for effectively combining these two approaches.
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