International associations.

Reach across borders for new clients.

The world is our horizon! How can we--a midsize accounting firm with three regionally based offices--make such an assertion? Simple; we formed an association of firms of similar size from all over the world and we share ideas with and refer clients to them. CPA firm associations (also known as networks and alliances) are not new to the profession; however, few small and midsize U.S. firms go beyond their states or regions to develop their practices in just this way. My 12-member New York City firm created INTEGRA International and invited other small and midsize firms from around the globe to join together and emulate larger firms by establishing our own network of noncompeting firms.

Joining or creating your own such network is not as daunting a job as you might expect. Read on to learn what a network can do to give your firm an international or, for starters, a national presence, and see what it takes to build one of your own.

NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Although the networks and associations with international presence are organized differently from each other, most are created to expand t...

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