Working in communications consultancy in the Spanish capital gives you access to large companies, to countless subsidiaries of multinationals and to the most representative associations, employers' associations, foundations and institutions in the country. So much so that it often seems that everything happens in Madrid and only in Madrid. And the truth is that, although a lot happens in the capital, it is enough to look up to see that there is a lot going on in Madrid. another very important number of companies that are not based in this community are also large in sizeThe companies' turnover is significant, they are important drivers of employment and talent, and, in many cases, they are leaders in their sector not only nationally, but also globally.
These companies are usually family-run and are led by the second or third generation. Most of them were born from the effort and vision of their founders and have grown over the years thanks to the efforts of those who understood, often based on pure intuition, that in order to progress it was necessary to professionalise the different areas of the company and at the same time evolve, innovate and adapt to the market.
The profiles of the founders and their heirs are similar in terms of media exposure. Most are low profile and prefer to focus all their efforts on the bottom line, profitability or payroll. If results are positive and sales work, do not consider it necessary to spend time on communicationespecially if we are talking about B2B product and service companies. And, in many cases, despite exporting a high percentage of their products to any part of the world, they are usually only related to their geographical area of influence and have close contact with the main local media, which, in many autonomous communities and provinces of Spain, are, more than media, real institutions.
At PROA We have a soft spot for these companies and entrepreneurs. They are true success stories and a reflection of a deeply self-sacrificing, hard-working and enterprising country. who should be known by all and who should be an example and a reference for young people, who often lack solid models and guides, beyond footballers, youtubers o tiktokers.
We have had and we are fortunate to help manage the reputations of many of these companies.We are also involved in a wide range of sectors, such as wineries, industry, education, sports, sports, textiles, energy, technology, food, culture, etc. In each of these cases, we adapt to their vital moment and to the rhythm that each one demands, placing ourselves very close to the decision-maker, giving honest advice with a very personalised approach.
Despite the flexibility with which we design the different communication plans, there is a common denominator, which is that, through PROA, despite being many kilometres away from the capital, they manage to have "a leg" in Madrid. We achieve this by organising agendas and qualitative meetings with key representatives, both from the media and from institutions of interest. And whenever necessary, we also travel to their headquarters to make them aware of our work. in situ its facilities and activity. The fact that we are in the capital means that they are more aware of the agenda and current affairs, because their day-to-day work, their focus on the business and the immediate environment, often prevents them from having time to do so.
With most of these companies we have had to to carry out a real pedagogical workBecause it is often difficult for them to understand the value added, not just of having a communication consultancy as a supplier, but the value of communication itself. Perhaps this is our unfinished business and also that of our sector. Making it clear to any businessman, manager or decision-maker that professional reputation management allows companies to have a solid position in the market, to transmit the elements that differentiate them from their competitors, to know the needs and expectations of customers, to show their human side and, most importantly, to build relationships with the community based on trust, which normally lead to long-term loyalty to the company.
*Valvanuz Serna Ruiz is managing partner of PROA.