How the Project Economy is Redefining Business Success
Have you ever been fired? I have.
It’s an unspoken truth in corporate life that getting fired is a rite of passage. At the time, it felt devastating. But looking back now, I see it as part of a larger story—one that brought me to where I am today: thriving in the Project Economy.
For over 20 years, I worked in corporate marketing, managing multi-million-dollar campaigns across NYC, Detroit, and LA. I built an incredible network of friends and colleagues. On paper, my career looked like the dream: prestigious jobs, high-profile clients, and what should have been "security."
But corporate security? It never felt secure.
No matter how hard I worked or how much I achieved, the goalposts kept moving. Promotions dangled just out of reach. Raises came slower than promised. Even as I poured everything into climbing the ladder, I always felt like I was clawing my way up a hill corporate structures were designed to push me back down.
Sound familiar?
The Rise of the Project Economy
The workforce is shifting. Layoffs are happening at every level, and businesses are being forced to reassess everything, from full-time roles to overhead costs. A staggering 92% of companies now offer remote or hybrid work, normalizing outsourcing and project-based hiring [NWBC][McKinsey].
This shift is creating new opportunities for professionals and businesses alike. For instance, women-owned businesses now represent 39.2% of all U.S. companies and generate $3.3 trillion in revenue [NWBC][IWOB]. Many of these businesses are thriving because they embrace flexibility, autonomy, and the Project Economy.
Now, as a high-profile partner operating in this space, I’ve built a business that feels more secure than anything corporate ever offered me.
Here’s why the Project Economy works.
Why the Project Economy Works
The Project Economy isn’t just about adapting to change—it’s about thriving in it.
Fixed Costs, Fixed Timelines, Clear Deliverables
Traditional hiring is expensive. A Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) can cost $200,000+ annually, not to mention the team they’ll need to execute their vision. By contrast, project-based solutions offer:
A fixed cost and timeline, so businesses know exactly what they’re getting.
A clear, measurable plan tailored to specific goals.
This isn’t about replacing expertise—it’s about maximizing its value.
Expertise Without the Overhead
Corporate hiring comes with inefficiencies: onboarding, training, benefits, office space. The Project Economy eliminates these hurdles.
As a marketing strategist with 20 years of experience, I bring the expertise of a CMO and the execution power of an entire team—all within a three-month sprint.
This isn’t just my experience. Businesses across industries are increasingly relying on fractional and project-based hiring to reduce costs and maintain agility [IWOB].
Strategic and Measurable Results
Every project I deliver is tied to specific goals. Whether it’s a product launch or annual content plan, my approach ensures measurable outcomes.
For example:
I establish key performance indicators (KPIs) upfront to track success.
At the end of the sprint, I provide a comprehensive wrap report, detailing what worked, what didn’t, and how to replicate success.
This isn’t just about results—it’s about creating frameworks businesses can use long after the project ends.
How My Three-Month Sprint Model Works
Here’s how I partner with businesses to deliver high-impact results:
Vitality Marketing Plan™:
We start with a deep dive into your business to craft a clear, measurable roadmap.Execution:
I oversee strategy implementation, building systems, content, and campaigns tailored to your goals.Campaign Wrap:
At the end of the sprint, I provide a full analysis of what worked, what didn’t, and how to replicate success in future campaigns.
The Future of Business
The Project Economy is more than a trend—it’s a new way of working.
By hiring project-based experts, businesses gain:
Agility: Adapt quickly to changing needs without long-term commitments.
Cost-Effectiveness: Reduce overhead while accessing top-tier talent.
Measurable Results: Achieve clear outcomes tied directly to business goals.
And for professionals like me, it’s an opportunity to deliver meaningful impact on our terms.
Let’s Build Something Extraordinary
Getting fired may have been part of my journey, but it’s not my story. My story is about stepping into a bigger playing field, seeing the goalposts clearly, and crushing them.
If your business is ready to embrace the future and thrive in the Project Economy, let’s talk. Together, we’ll create something extraordinary—one three-month sprint at a time.
-Rhiannon
Reports Used
International Women-Owned Business Report
International Women’s Business Council. (2024). International Women-Owned Business Report 2024. Retrieved from [https://stories.wf.com/iwob/].
National Women’s Business Council Annual Report
National Women’s Business Council. (2024). Annual Report 2024: State of Women-Owned Businesses. Retrieved from [https://www.nwbc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NWBC-2024-Annual-Report.pdf].
Women in the Workplace Report
Lean In & McKinsey & Company. (2024). Women in the Workplace 2024. Retrieved from [https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace].
