On Wednesday afternoon we were all treated to Ian Ord’s first Mi Network webinar on ‘How to Build an International Agency Business’.

Ian’s office became the studio, I the technical director and Fifth Ring staff some of the online audience. Although Ian’s comment about becoming the new Terry Wogan was a little premature, it was exciting to know that his webinar was being broadcast live to an international audience.

The webinar discussed how Fifth Ring was built into an international agency from its humble beginnings around Clif Colliers kitchen table. Ian then went on to described the business models and strategies that Fifth Ring adopted as they grew and expanded into new territories.  He talked about overcoming the challenges of opening offices abroad, building international office cultures and maintaining communication channels.

He also discussed the literature that has inspired him throughout the years. For example how ‘A Book of Five Rings’ by the 16th Century Japanese warrior and philosopher, Miyamoto Musashi , led to the name Fifth Ring and how the principle within it continue to inspire the company today.

Overall it was an extremely useful and intimate story of how Fifth Ring became the international company it is today. I highly recommend those who want some tips on how to expand their business internationally, those interested in business strategy and those who just want to be amused by Ian Ord’s musings to have a listen.

Web link to follow