1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. I am a BTech-qualified Public Relations Practitioner with an additional qualification in Social Media and Web PR. I have been in the industry since 2007 and in the period leading up to the establishment of Yolandi de Wet PR in 2012, I played a key role on the PR team of several major clients signed by Marlene Truter Communications and CN Communication.
My client base and diverse project involvement include several well-known food and wine producers, as well as a wide range of related products, festivals, agriculture, restaurant, awards functions, and other event-related companies and partnerships.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I started my business in 2012 – my first employer handed-over a big contract to one of her service providers with the condition that she uses me as her assistant. I had an income for 7 months, thus I had time to start working on a client base. With small contracts here and there, I signed a year contract with an olive farm in Robertson and from the business grew.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. I am the sole owner and employee.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I studied Public Relations Management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. My partner and parents played a big part in my financial security – this gave me the freedom to go about building the business.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. I try to keep to a routine, but alas. Four out of the five weekdays I get up at 06:30, go to a HITT class, return at 07:45, make breakfast and pack lunch for my partner. Shower and go to the office at 08:30 (In 2015 I have saved enough to build myself an office at the back of our house). I try to take short breaks and drink a lot of water (and few cups of coffee) – I stop working at 17:00 to go to either netball or cricket practice – make dinner at 19:00 and return to the office. I try and not work passed 21:00 if not absolutely necessary.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. I have tried over the years to find the sweet spot – will work really hard during the week, but weekends are fun time.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. Happy clients and good relationships with clients, media and service providers.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. I live in Hermanus – so when I go to meetings it is usually ‘on the other side of the mountain’ – the time in the car gives me time to think (and sing).
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. I have been fortunate enough to rely on “word of mouth” and previous clients returning.
11. What is next for your business?
A. I would love to outsource more work and create jobs.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. Build good relationships with as many people as possible from the start of your career. ALWAYS be honest, even if you made mistakes – this shows and builds character. AND enjoy the adventure.
Contact info:
Website: www.yolandidewetpr.co.za
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yolandidewetpr
Twitter: @yolandidewetpr
Skype: yolandi.de.wet1
Yolandi de Wet PR offers a dedicated, professional service, focusing on the unique qualities of each client – a key requirement in achieving communication success.
