Small Firms Working Together

[Judy]

I've been wanting to do this for a while, but with all of these comments about who you can trust out there, I've decided now is the time to take some action.

My wish is to form a group of small firms that work together in covering their out-of-area calendar. At first I was thinking just So Cal firms, but now I'm not so sure it should be limited to such a small area.

I have spoken to a few people and they like the idea, so maybe this is doable!

So are there any other small firms out there that might like to get involved?

Send me your thoughts, suggestions, comments.

You can post here or e-mail me privately at [e-mail]

Judy Runes
Runes Reporting
CA CSR No. 5874

[Michelle]

Hi Judy,

I think that's a great idea. We have something similar here in Europe, where quite a few of the smaller firms and freelance writers in different countries got together to pool information and help each other out with clients when we're too busy, or if the job is nearer a different reporter, saving the client money and keeping them happy.

Some people take a percentage from jobs that they hand over to others, but most of us just hand over the work and hope it will be reciprocated real soon :)

I'd love to hear the thoughts and ideas of others on this topic, I think it's a great idea to align ourselves with other quality reporters and firms, it's another way to show that together we can compete with the larger companies.

Great idea, hope it works out, and if you need contacs in Europe please contact us!

[Judy]

Thank you, Michelle. That's exactly what I'm talking about.

For instance, a couple of weeks ago I was talking to another reporter and she said if I ever needed a conference room in her area, give her a call because she gets a great rate on a conference room. Lots of smaller firms have conference rooms or the ability to get a conference room for less just because they're in that area. Wouldn't it be great if everybody got together to help each other in situations like that? Maybe all of these empty conference rooms could get filled up a little more often and we could stay away from hotels or Regus.com. And that's just one situation where we could help each other.

[Michelle]

Judy, you're so right, small business helping small business - that's where our future lies.

Fingers crossed that you get a massive response to this. Wouldn't it be great to have a huge network of people, each dedicated to excellence in our profession and to helping each other reach that goal? Together we can make a global network of highly skilled reporters and quality firms, with the ability to get an excellent reporter and all ancillary services needed anywhere in the world at any time. Let's try make that dream a reality!

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Hello Judy,
Would you like me to start a group? call it agency2agency networking, or something.
we can control it to make sure only agencies join?

let me know
thanks!