Here are 10 Great Reasons to be a PRCA Member
1. Regular Health Check Survey
One of the services most valued by members is the regular health check survey. This confidential survey gives a snapshot of key industry indicators including hourly rates and salaries.
"It is very hard to unearth industry figures in Ireland so the PRCA Health Check is an invaluable tool in helping me manage and run my consultancy."
Paul Mc Sharry, Managing Director, FD
2. Website Referrals
The PRCA website is the first port of call for many local or international companies looking to hire a PR consultancy.
A number of agencies say that this service alone, especially in the current market, is a key benefit of PRCA membership.
"We track the hits to our site and the level of traffic we receive from the PRCA website more than justifies the membership fee."
Ronnie Simpson, Managing Director, Simpson Financial & Technology PR
3. Upgraded Website
As well as improving services to members, our newly upgraded website will increase the influence of the site in terms of new business referrals.
4. Differentiation Through CMS
Only PRCA members can attain the Consultancy Management Standard (CMS). This differentiates you from the large number of non-PRCA competitors and helps you manage your business more efficiently.
"We view the CMS as a major benefit. We are regularly asked for the professional standard achieved by the company and the CMS is recognised internationally as the PR industry gold standard."
Paddy Hughes, Director, Drury
5. Referrals from Other Members
"I am surprised at the level of referrals that take place between PRCA member firms which arise because they do not specialise in a particular sector, or because they have an existing client conflict, or because they need work in a city or region where they are not located."
Pat Montague, Managing Director, Montague Communications
6. Representation on Key Industry Issues
The PRCA represents members on issues that, unchecked, could be damaging and highly costly to the industry. For example, it took on board a number of meetings with the Newspaper Licensing Agency over licensing of UK media press cuttings which significantly diluted the original potential cost to members.
7. PRCA Awards
At a time when clients want to extract maximum value from their marketing spend, the annual PR Awards for Excellence are a showcase for the value that PR consultancies provide. Thus, nominated or not, it reflects well on all members.
"In our new business pitches and proposals we make the most of the PRCA awards. Even if we are shortlisted and don't win an overall award, we and the client can still talk about receiving an Award for Excellence in Communications."
Jim Walsh, Managing Director, Walsh Public Relations
8. PRCA Value and Staff Support
The PR consultancy business in Ireland is relatively small. PRCA total income is approximately €45,000. Yet, unlike larger organisations, the Association is supported by a staffed office and a chief executive. The office receives calls over the year from potential clients seeking a PR consultancy and PRCA members receive first priority.
9. Member Forums
Through the AGM and managing director breakfasts, the PRCA provides an opportunity for members to raise and share common concerns and issues. The Board believes that this is even more important in the current climate and is looking to increase the opportunities for these types of events over 2009 and 2010.
"Before I joined the PRCA I considered other PR agencies to be rivals and competitors. While this is still the case I realise now that we share a lot in common and as a member of the PRCA I feel that I can lift the phone to fellow chief executives for advice or a second opinion."
Padraig Slattery, Chief Executive, Slattery Communications
10. Career Profile
Membership of the PRCA Board is open to CEO/director level members and the Board welcomes new blood. By playing a part in our representative body, you will be recognised as an industry leader.