Are you networked?

We live in a world where globalisation of markets, products and services is an increasingly important feature. As marketing services agencies across all disciplines, we have to rise to the challenge of managing this process for our clients. More specifically, within the direct marketing community, there is a need to develop and implement strategies that can work across multiple markets.

The InterDirect network may have been ahead of its time as even back in 1988 when it was formed with a small number of direct marketing agencies, this potential need was recognised. Such was the success of the original concept to provide "specialist help and advice on cross-border direct marketing" that we have now grown into a highly organised network employing over 500 people.

The criteria for membership of the network is very simple. There is one member agency per country, selected by invitation, which must have a range of skills. These include the ability and experience to develop international direct marketing campaigns allied to a range of strategic services including strategy development, planning and implementation of campaigns and database consultancy. Above all, members must be independent direct marketing specialists with a proven record in their own markets.

So what makes the InterDirect network so attractive to its clients and the member agencies? There are a number of clear benefits. For example, sharing our specialist knowledge and resources, we provide an unparalleled base of international expertise with each agency providing local market knowledge and insights. Collectively, we can harness a co-ordinated international approach to provide integrated solutions. We also take a flexible attitude to client needs. Rather than suffering the rigid centralised structure that is often a feature of large networks, we provide our service in a way which is sympathetic to clients local market needs.

To achieve this, InterDirect agencies run in parallel to clients national or international offices. So whether they want to use a centralised network, or prefer to develop campaigns on a bespoke basis, country by country, we can provide an approach tailored to the specific needs.

If you are an independent direct marketing agency that feels that they could benefit from joining the network, wed be delighted to hear from you. We are currently looking for more members in Asia, Canada, Mid and South America  as well as in Australia,and Japan.

For more information about the network, please contact InterDirect Central Coordination Center. As is the custom, there is an incentive to encourage response! We look forward to hearing from prospective agencies.