Benefits of being part of an international business network

The spring edition of the Public Relations Global Network is going to take place in a few weeks, hosted in the beautiful framework of Los Angeles.

Sound PR entered the PRGN eight years ago, but however I’m always excited to meet my business partners and friends because, in my experience, that’s an amazing opportunity for personal and professional enrichment.

I’ve always believed that networking can strongly leverage your business and PRGN is not just about that, there is much more. Of course, I’ve often happened to share referrals with other member-agencies, and that’s anything but taken for granted, but I’ve also had the chance to broaden my professional horizons, exchange information and experiences. All that has been possible thanks to the fact that PRGN member-fellows are not just names in a database. They are colleagues who know one another, enjoy the challenge of their business and are open to learn from each other.

This close connection is a PRGN extremely important distinctive feature since it allows member agencies to work, also on international mandates, quickly and efficiently. Moreover it furthers frankness and creativity that often both result in solutions that were not obvious at first sight.

Here are 4 benefits I have enjoyed from being a part of my network:

1) Knowledge sharing

Information sharing has become a mental attitude inside my network. The process is smooth and seamless. Moreover, blogs, social platforms and, of course, social networks like e.g. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN and Youtube are always available for those interested in keeping an eye on what comes up.

2) Resources Exchange

The employees of each PRGN member agency can experience a unique chance of professional growth by working and living in a host agency city.

This program has also the aim of strengthening PRGN network connections and increasing the sharing of knowledge and best practices between member agencies.

Outside the Exchange Program, my niece, a young student preparing for a degree, is now doing a four-month Internship at Landis Communications in San Francisco and I seize the occasion to thank David Landis for hailing her and giving her the chance of learning a lot from him and his team of talented professionals.

3) Mutual support

Whenever I asked for references, remarks, professional opinions, templates or whatever, my PRGN partners always came back to me with a lot of remarkable inputs. And guess what? They are also very supportive in providing non-business related hints.

4) Personal Enrichment

People are the greatest resources of the PRGN. That’s why meeting attendance is limited to agencies owners only and, partially, to seconds-in-command. Everyone inside the PRGN can benefit from connecting with experienced professionals that are, at the same time, skilled entrepreneurs. That can’t but bring a great value to everybody’s professional growth. But, more importantly, this guarantees continuity of personal relationships, mutual trust, openness and direct access to decision makers.

Business networking is definitely an extra boost that empowers your business and yourself.

Author: Alessandra Malvermi, Managing Partner of Sound PR