by Tracy Leach

Recently, we took advantage of an opportunity to travel to Vienna, Austria for an international public relations conference. From a visitor’s perspective, it was incredible, but the professional take-aways were equally significant. No, not everyone is going to fly to Vienna for their professional development. But you should create a plan to get and stay ahead in your industry if you want to remain competitive.

For our firm, we find it necessary and optimal, to reach out nationwide, as well as globally to find the very latest technology, to drive our digital marketing, strategic communications and government affairs to continually greater heights. Our clients deserve nothing less.

For our firm, we find it necessary and optimal, to reach out nationwide, as well as globally to find the very latest technology…our clients deserve nothing less.

Tracy Leach, President and CEO

As a business owner, it’s very easy to immerse yourself in the daily grind of work, barely looking up to breathe, responding to customers, managing employees, and tackling the task list that arises every day. This seems laudable and it is. But in so doing, you might just look up one day and find that you no longer possess the latest technology, nor are you retaining the best employees or executing the most effective (or any?) marketing plan. And your competitors are passing you by.

For these reasons, our company engages with a number of organizations dedicated to continuing education, sharing of best practices and opportunities to collaborate with our fellow practitioners.  

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Enter Worldcom.

Worldcom Public Relations Group is just such an organization; a collaboration of 88 partners around the globe, expanding the reach and expertise of every partner – including Providence.

Becoming a partner involved an intense vetting much like qualifying for a home loan. No, it was more intense than that. But our firm prevailed and is proud to be affiliated with so many outstanding public relations firms throughout the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

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Make the time. It’ll be okay.

Taking the time away from work, is very difficult for many small business owners, but you must make the time for professional development, gaining knowledge and discovering fresh ideas to take your business farther. It didn’t hurt that this latest conference took place in beautiful Vienna. It was extra exhilarating to take in the rich history of this Austrian city while meeting with our global partners and enriching our knowledge base and network.

Don’t get caught flat-footed. Take a short, quiet break from the demands of your business to consider where you might participate and benefit and then follow through!

1. Your local Chamber of Commerce has both training and networking opportunities that may make a positive difference in the future of your business.
2. For an in-depth exchange of ideas and information, consultants like Business Initiatives offer Power Groups that allow business executives to collaborate regularly and learn from each other as well as experts in their fields.
3. Or, look up trade associations specific to your industry.  

Protect your hard work, seek out the latest information, stay ahead of the competition. And until next time, auf wiedersehen.