Maximising Your Membership: Why Proactive Engagement is Essential for Success

Joining a global network can be a powerful asset for growing your business. But simply being on a membership list won’t get you the results you want.

Those who actively participate - engaging with members, attending events, and promoting company news and projects - are the ones who see the strongest returns.

Here’s how you can turn network participation into meaningful business growth, which is what we all want!

Don’t Wait for Business to Come to You

A network can connect you with companies around the world that may become long-term partners, or trusted industry contacts. However, these connections don’t develop on their own. Networking is most effective when it’s built on genuine, reciprocal relationships.

To make the most of your membership, reach out to other members, introduce yourself, and start building connections.

A quick email, or even a brief introductory video call using our Meeting Hub can help you learn about others’ specialties and highlight your own capabilities (watch instructions!).

Positioning yourself on members' radars increases your visibility; without this approach, you risk fading into the background and missing valuable opportunities.

Annual Gatherings: Your Best Opportunity to Build Lasting Relationships

Our annual gatherings provide a unique chance for members to meet face-to-face. These events are vital to strengthening your network presence. Attending gives you a chance to connect with colleagues and we make sure we include lots of fun stuff too! See photos.

Meeting in person creates a level of rapport and camaraderie that simply can’t be achieved through digital channels alone.

“At PCN meetings, familiar faces foster trust and confidence that online interactions can’t match, as I experienced while on a coach in Dubai going for dinner (15-minute drive) we arranged a monster unit from Australia to Africa with one agent, so opportunities are everywhere. Engaging with members opens doors to possibilities, especially in less prominent markets.” Sebastian Laffont of Spark Global Logistics in Australia (PCN Member since 2019)

Being Just a Name on the Membership List Won’t Deliver Results

Many new members join a network and wait for the business to start rolling in. However, being a name on a list isn’t enough to get results. To truly gain value from your membership, you need to ensure your company is memorable.

Active members are those who are top-of-mind when new projects arise, making their chances of receiving business referrals significantly higher.

"The key is to be patient. Don’t expect too much action straight away. It takes time. There are some members I always spent time with at the meetings, yet we haven’t moved 1 kilo for them. That doesn’t matter because they know us, so when they need support, they’ll naturally turn to our company." Jim Shapiro of Thunderbolt Global Logistics in USA (PCN Member since 2016).

Utilise PCN’s News Section to Promote Your Updates and Success Stories

PCN’s News Section, is where members can share updates, announcements, and success stories. By contributing news, you remind other members of your capabilities and keep your company visible.

PCN's presence on LinkedIn grew by over 25% in 2024, with a current audience of almost 20,000 industry followers. During the year, we had over 10,000 engagements with our daily posts … the majority of which are dedicated to promoting your company news and projects.

Simply send your news to us and we will prepare an article which is then published in our Network News section. Each article appears automatically on our Smartphone Service and published in our Blog, eMagazine, LinkedIn and X. News articles related to each company are also linked on their profile page in our Members Area and their Showcase Website as well as distributed to our Press List.

When other members frequently see your updates, they’re more likely to think of you when a relevant project comes up. It’s a simple, effective way to maintain ongoing visibility and demonstrate your company’s expertise.

“Sharing news about our latest projects and region-specific challenges creates opportunities for collaboration with other members, often leading to new business partnerships. This platform also allows us to gain valuable insights from partner members into logistics trends across different regions. By exchanging information and learning from other experiences, we’ve gathered strategies that have strengthened our approach to customer service, efficiency, and managing complex international shipments.” Kira Seeley of WRL Shipping in Australia (PCN Member since 2016)

Proactive Involvement Enhances Trust and Credibility

Active engagement in a network builds your reputation as a dependable partner. Trust is crucial in the forwarding industry – companies need to know they can rely on you to handle projects with efficiency and care. Participation signals professionalism, making partners more likely to rely on you.

Trust is an unseen but crucial element that can be the deciding factor in a competitive field.

“When you feel there’s no one available for certain regions, for example the Pacific Islands, a member from a neighbouring country might have a solution. You’ll be amazed at how many doors open after just a few days with the group, particularly in areas outside the main trade routes.” Sebastian Laffont of Spark Global Logistics in Australia (PCN Member since 2019)

In Summary: The Benefits of Going Beyond Passive Membership

Being part of PCN has the potential to elevate your business, but the real rewards come to those who put in the effort. By actively engaging with other members, attending annual gatherings, and sharing your company’s updates, you ensure that your network membership is more than just a listing - it’s a powerful tool for growth.

Maximizing your membership requires intention, visibility, and commitment. Make the most of these opportunities, and you’ll see your business thrive within the network.