As a real fan of using technology to communicate I have always thought that, in this day and age, location is largely irrelevant when dealing with the media, partners and clients. It is my opinion that journalists don’t care if you are ten minutes down the road or half way accross the world when you call them; it is the story and how you pitch it that really matters.

Having said that, there is still nothing like a face-to-face meeting. I have been at a client’s European PR conference in Amsterdam this week, meeting our European network partners and enjoying the customary three kisses on the cheek from our female European colleagues (don’t tell The Wife). I am, of course, in regular contact with contacts on the client side and all of the European agencies via email and on the telephone but there is still nothing like meeting them in person to discuss business and forthcoming plans.

This was absolutely the case again in Amsterdam.  All of the European agencies that form part of the 360 network that Berkeley PR co-ordinates brought intelligent input to the meeting as well as a strong personality. Being able to picture who I am talking to at the end of the phone and the ability to share a joke about a joint experience will inevitavbly make all our lives easier in ensuring the continued success of this account.

Paul Stallard