Can you please tell us more about your business?
When we started, were just a corporate gifts and event management company. We have now grown into full service digital marketing agency. We offer social media marketing, content marketing and search engine marketing, and all that comes with it. Our clientele is mostly SMMEs who have not fully realized the full potential of digital marketing.
Most business owners are on different social media platforms without any real strategy in place. So we come in and put a proper strategy for each channel in place. We give their plan structure and show them how to measure the return on investment.
When, How and Why did you start your business?
I started my career in banking. I realized very quickly that I didn’t want to spend my days stuck in an office working for someone else. So that’s why I started my business. I had an opportunity to consult for a graphic design business, doing corporate gifts for them. So I realized that I can do it on my own. I started Wrapp Around in 2008.
What is your role in the business?
I’m responsible for new business and all the content that goes out. We have a blog that comes out once a week so I’m responsible for the direction and final approval of what goes out.
Where did you study and what did you study?
I completed my degree at Unisa. I have a BCom degree in Economics and Risk Management.
How did you finance your business?
From the very generous bank of friends and family. It’s very difficult to get a loan to start a small business, so you have to do what you can. Banks want collateral if they’re going to offer you a loan. So I used the money I had saved up and help from family to survive until my business made some money.
Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
Lol… no such thing really. But mostly I start by checking social media in the morning and see what’s going on. Then I respond to posts in various groups I’m in and see what people in the industry are talking about. I check my calendar and to-do list for what I’m doing for the day. If I don’t have any meetings, I’ll prepare any upcoming content, look for collaborators for upcoming blogs, etc.
Some days are for planning to acquire new business. I’ll reach out to contacts and set up meetings. I always try to reserve a full day for meetings. On those days I’ll then do any admin at the end of the day. But with things changing this year and meetings moving virtual, I’m able to get more done in between meetings as I spend less time driving and getting stuck in traffic.
How do you balance your home life and your work life?
I just do. I work when I need to work and I spend time with family and friends when it’s needed. Some weeks I work a lot and some days I’m with family. Work-life balance is just a matter of priorities. Sometimes you get it right and other times you get it wrong. That’s life. A perfect balance doesn’t really exist.
What drives you and inspires you?
I love what I do. So having the opportunity to do it every day is a blessing.
There’s so much talent and innovation in this country, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of these innovators. I’m inspired by their drive and passion for change and growth, that we have the ability to make an impact in our surroundings. I’m always looking for projects that make me uncomfortable, because that means I’m getting out of my comfort zone.
I’m driven by the possibilities that I know are out there, that I haven’t yet achieved. I’m driven by the need to do better, not only for myself, but also for those around me.
Where and when do you have your best ideas?
Mostly during downtime. I do a lot of outdoor exercise, and I use this time to think about how to improve and get better. I also watch a lot of crime TV, which sounds funny but it helps me think. So, moving away from the problem (whatever it may be) helps me put a lot in perspective.
Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
Networking mostly. I find reaching out to contacts for introductions is a lot easier than cold calling. So I reach out to people I know to introduce me to potential clients. But cold calling is unavoidable so I do that too.
I also use social media. I’ll connect and engage with someone online before trying to close the deal. Sometimes all that comes out is collaboration instead of a sale. But the contacts are valuable for future business.
What is next for your business?
Artificial intelligence investment. AI makes our work a lot easier. Intelligence on campaigns are very important. We need to know what works and what doesn’t, so we can know what to change. An investment in artificial intelligence will ensure clients get value for their money.
What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
Being a business owner is tough, let alone a businesswoman. Besides the problems you’re going to face with inconsistent cash flows, you also have to work twice as hard as your male counterparts because of the misconception that men are smarter than women.
But, I don’t regret my decision. Working for yourself is hard work but it’s so rewarding. Seeing your hard work come to fruition is amazing. And knowing that people rely on you is not a burden, it’s what drives me and makes me get up every day so that I don’t let them down. I work harder because of it. I wouldn’t change a thing!
