Long-term communication and our anniversary year
01/03/2025 • Agency news
Milena Avramović Bjelica and Tamara Bekčić, directors and owners of the Chapter 4 PR agency, spoke for the December edition of the Marketing mreža magazine, and you can read the full interview below.
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In January, Chapter 4 PR agency celebrates 15 years of work in Serbia. The agency in question is part of the international Chapter 4 network of agencies in Central and Eastern Europe and is the exclusive representative of the world's leading PR network Burson. The jubilee was the occasion for a conversation with the founders, directors and owners of the agency, about what affects success and perseverance in the work of an agency that deals with communications and consulting, and how to achieve a balance between reliable corporate consulting and innovation and creativity.
The communications industry has changed over the past 15 years, and what factors have influenced the existence and success of Chapter 4 PR all these years?
Tamara: The world changes every day, and so does the communications industry, which fundamentally depends on the opportunities in the world, on the market and in society, the plans of companies and the needs of users and consumers. In our business, we think about many stakeholders and consistently high-quality communication because everything is connected. The planned intersection of different target groups, tools and communication channels, with numerous changes over the years, is what makes our business very dynamic. The quality of services is in the first place, and it is the result of effort and consideration, planning and development. We combine strategic business knowledge and communication consulting, with creativity and innovation. In the beginning, Milena and I, and over the years, our entire team, we all showed commitment to the profession, clients and the community in which we operate, and this is what makes Chapter 4 last, and what others recognize as a successful communications agency.
Among the clients, you have companies with whom you have been cooperating for more than ten years, which is almost a phenomenon in today's time of rapid changes. What makes communication successful?
Milena: Long-term cooperation with clients in the communications industry is based on several key principles: trust, understanding and constant evolution. Successful communication is not only a matter of conveying messages, but of creating a partnership in which we are all aware that we are working in the same interest and that our common goal is a successful project. What is of utmost importance is adaptability and innovation. In a time of rapid changes, it is necessary to constantly research new technologies, channels and trends in order to offer clients solutions that suit their needs and the needs of those they address, as well as modern challenges. And finally, the human factor plays a crucial role - sincere commitment to the team and the client, as well as the willingness to listen, think long-term and remain flexible, form the basis for cooperation that lasts for years.
In how many markets does the Chapter 4 PR group operate today and how closely do the agencies actually cooperate with each other?
Tamara: We are proud of this important international partnership. Today, Chapter 4 agencies operate in as many as 11 markets, while we have our own partner agencies in the others. With the worldwide Burson network, we have a truly global presence and insights. Within our PR group, we collaborate closely through regular meetings, exchange of experiences and joint projects and initiatives. What is particularly important, and what the clients appreciate very much, are the world standards of the quality of the services we provide.
How difficult is it to be and stay current in a world that is rapidly changing in a social, political, technological sense?
Milena: Being and staying current in a rapidly changing world requires continuous adaptability, careful listening to the needs of not only our clients, but also employees, associates and strategic management of messages. The communication industry today operates at the intersection of social, political and technological changes, which imposes the need for agility and constant learning. The key to success lies in the ability to respond quickly to changes, either through innovative approaches to communication channels, adapting tones and messages to specific circumstances, or through transparency that builds trust. In addition, staying current does not only mean following trends, but also having the courage to set them - by creating content that inspires, opens dialogue and leads to lasting values. I am convinced that only those who are ready to be proactive, empathetic and innovative survive in this dynamic environment.