She started her communications firm at 21

By Lillian Kiarie

Kenya: Sharon Bousi got interested in the communications field at a young age and grew up knowing she would venture into it. At 21, after a short internship, she decided to start her own public relations and consultancy company. Four years down the line, Bousi PR Consultancy is hitting critical milestones much faster than she ever hoped.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m 24 and a public relations and image consultant. I studied communications at Daystar University. The more I studied, the more I felt like there was so much in the communications field that was still untapped.

My first job was at the Communications Commission of Kenya in 2011, where I interned in the consumer affairs department. I later left and opened my own business in image consulting, and soon expanded it to include PR and event management.

I chose PR as a career because this is what makes people grow and create bonds; individuals and organisations can only grow with the right brand, attitude and relationships.

What does your company do?

Bousi PR Consultancy handles communication strategies, company image, branding and rebranding, crisis management as well as event management. We also do sessions on personal branding, appearance, dressing, etiquette and communication skills.

Our clients are mostly organisations that need both PR and image consulting, small groups and individuals looking to build a personal brand.

What is the biggest challenge you face?

Our major challenge was, and still is, getting companies to trust a young lady with their business. We gain experience from the work we do, those we interact with, mistakes we have made and guidance received. But once we work with someone or an organisation, they trust us to come through again and again, and we always do our best to do so.

So how do you win over clients?

I read somewhere that networking is not about collecting contacts, it’s about planting relations, and that’s what I try to do everywhere I go. I want people to remember me and what I do after meeting me for just a few minutes.

What makes a good manager?

Being professional. Creating that boundary is important if work is to get done. 

If you are not working, what are you likely to be doing?

With the busy weeks I have, I appreciate some peace and quiet. However, I also love spending time with my friends and family, and try to find time to read a book.

What is your biggest weakness?

I sometimes let some negative things get to me, which gives me unnecessary pressure.

What drives you?

First is the fact that God continues to present me with opportunity after opportunity to grow my business, and second, the joy of doing my own thing.

What is the worst part of your job?

People who don’t see the importance of the work I do. Some people underestimate the role of public relations, forgetting that US President Barack Obama would not have risen to his level of prominence were it not for his PR group’s extensive use of multimedia channels.

Something people don’t know about you?

I enjoy working with cheerful people. I am also a firstborn, and this has really helped me grow my business as I am naturally responsible.

What is your biggest influence?

The Bible; there are a lot of lessons in it.

What is the worst mistake you have ever made?

(Laughs) The mistake is too bad to share.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could sing.

What do you think is the most overrated virtue in business?

That you can’t be friends with your competition. Of course you can’t share your success secrets, but you must be cordial.

Life’s biggest lesson?

Put God first and surround yourself with people who will push you towards your goals.

bizbeat@standardmedia.co.ke