join a global army of independent talent

 

Providing leading independent agencies around the world with a “network-on-demand” at an affordable price. With 1600 agencies in over 120 countries providing your agency with support in every capability and nearly every geography.

 

We are collectively backing you up, collaboratively helping you find solutions to compete on a level playing field with the big holding networks.

 

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Joining our community expands your offer and presents assurances to prospective and existing clients. Show that you have the backing of a worldwide talent pool without losing any of your independence, agility, adaptability, flexibility or character. We have two tiers of membership – both outlined below.

We warmly welcome new agencies into our community, once we have checked their credentials and trust that they can and will deliver successful outcomes from the brands, clients and agencies we work with. Every agency is carefully considered and we seek verification from a variety of sources, ensuring we would want to work with you before we recommend you to others.

Trust is a tricky thing to earn, and we take the reputation and credibility of our partners and recommendations very seriously.

We don’t just connect you to agencies — we match you with the right ones, instantly.

Global reach, real choice

Access 1,600+ vetted specialists across every major market.

No guesswork

Every agency is personally vetted — no unknowns or risks.

Speed meets precision

Real-time recommendations tailored to your exact needs.

20+ years of insight

We know who’s actually great — not just who’s available.

Concierge service

A tailored approach to finding the right partner for every brief.

Hear from some of our members about the value of joining thenetworkone

One of the unique selling points of thenetworkone’s offer to brands and partners is that we include the very best talent in the world and offer solutions for all disciplines and sectors in every geographic market. Many of our assignments are confidential, but here are some examples of companies we have recently worked for – either directly, or for their lead agencies through a range of consumer or business to business projects:

membership vs accredited

Member vs Accredited
Benefit Member Accredited
Enhanced Access & Priority Benefits
Network Referrals Receive business leads from network partners
Preferred
Preferred for referrals when multiple agencies have similar capabilities
Considered only when a brief requires highly specialised expertise
Full Research Library Complete research reports and industry insights
Full Access
✓ Plus co-creation
Summary reports and participation
Flagship Events Access to global events, awards, and summit
Priority
Priority access, early ticket release, and complimentary entries to flagship events
Access subject to availability
Member-Only Benefits
Global Agency Network Compete on a level playing field with the big networks
Facilitated Introductions Connect with specialist partners based on your needs
Global Capability Credentials Prove international delivery capability to win bigger pitches
Senior Strategy Consulting Expert guidance on pitches and business development
Peer Support from Founders Direct advice from successful indie agency owners
Independence Protection Avoid compromising your independent roots
Joint Pitch Teams Form alliances to win larger projects together
Interest Groups Form tailored groups based on your needs
Mentoring Programme Personalised guidance from indie experts
Members-Only Newsletter Exclusive content, early opportunities, discounts
Speaker Opportunities Pitch for speaking slots at global events
Curated Community Access Direct access to independent leaders' network
International Exchange Programme Swap team members with global partners
Member benefit
Accredited benefit
Not included

become a trusted partner

 

Alongside our accredited agencies, we work with a wide range of consultants, suppliers, and supporters of independent agencies. Trusted partners follow the same standards as our agencies, but typically offer supply chain products, services or bespoke consultancy.

 

If you’d like to help amplify, support and develop indie agencies, get in touch to be considered. We refer agencies to partners case-by-case — but you’ll need to be part of our community first. Collaboration can take several forms: sharing your expertise or insight, providing specialist support, or partnering with us on an event. We’ll work with you to find the right fit.

 

As a trusted partner you can:

  • receive referrals from agencies in our community
  • be featured on our channels where appropriate
  • meet and network with independent leaders
  • be considered for bespoke training briefs
  • book into our virtual and in-person Indie events
  • receive news tailored to independents and the wider supply chain
  • showcase your achievements with the Indie community
  • access on-demand content
  • be part of a collective voice for independent agencies

contact us here

This option is considered on a case-by-case basis and is on application only.

exchange programme

 

For years, thenetworkone has run an in-person staff exchange between member agencies in different countries, sending employees abroad for a few weeks at a time.

 

It’s a powerful member benefit: agencies gain a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and skills, staff forge lasting professional friendships, and you’re left with a meaningful reward and retention tool — with employees returning with new perspectives and capabilities.

mentoring

 

One of the best parts of our industry is the relationships — professional friendships with colleagues around the world you can learn from, share ideas with and lean on when needed. Video calling has made those connections easier than ever, wherever you’re working from.

 

That’s why thenetworkone runs a virtual mentoring programme.

referrals & recommendations to other agencies

 

For three decades we’ve been meeting the best talent in marketing, PR, advertising and communications in almost every country. We only recommend agencies and partners we’ve met and trust — that’s what makes our introductions personal, vetted and bespoke.

 

If you’re a member with a client need you can’t meet, or a pitch you want support on, we’re a call or email away. We take a brief covering location, capabilities, availability, cultural fit, capacity and conflicts, then match you with the right agency, consultant or combination — whether that’s a direct-to-client introduction, a lead-agency model, a blend of skills across services, or a multi-market team with us or a consultant acting as international account director.

 

With the right information, we usually come back within two working days. A traditional RFI pitch can take three months or more — and often longer in today’s climate.

 

find an agency

event programme and on-demand content

 

Our programme is anchored by The Indie Summit, The Indie Forum and the Indie Awards, alongside webinars, interviews, features and partner events — keeping independent agencies current and connected to the sector’s sharpest talent.

 

See our event pages for what’s open now.

 

attend

learning & development

 

Every agency is a people business. More than half your income goes on your team, and your success depends on their performance — and on yours, if you’re the leader. At a holding company you’d get a centrally managed development programme; at an indie, you don’t.

 

Indie life has its upsides: a broader skill set, faster thinking and more agility than peers at Omnicom, Publicis, WPP and the rest. But however smart we are, we can always learn from other people — in our own cities and around the world.

 

There’s plenty of generic agency training available. Ours is different because it’s built specifically for independents. The providers listed here have impressed us with their ability to work productively and empathetically with indie leaders and their teams. Browse to find individuals and small consultancies offering what you need — online or in person, single sessions or a series — with costs shown upfront. Each programme is self-contained and delivers what’s stated, with tailored follow-up consultancy available.

 

learn