If you’re ready to take the leap and start your own media and communications company, there’s no reason not to! Sometimes life requires you to take just jump and make your idea a reality. There must be some method to the madness though especially when you’re on a budget and have no clients upfront.
We got some insider tips from Anne Mazimhaka, co-founder and creative director of Illume Creative Studio, a communications agency based in Kigali, Rwanda.
Launch online
There’s no need to launch your company with a cocktail party, bottles of champagne and a fancy guest list filled with big names that likely won’t show up. Go the easy way and start with a simple but good looking website.
Like with Squarespace which offers solutions for easy websites that will be eye-catching enough to your future clients. Your website should clearly list the services you offer. Remember to keep things clear and direct, let people know what you’re offering from the word go.
As a communications agency, you can start out offering services such as content development, creative consultancy, editorial roles and social media strategies which you can offer from the comfort of your home. Your contact details should also be well displayed for when people need to reach you.
Make full use of your network
This is something that you should start on before you take that leap. Build a network through attending events and rubbing shoulders with the change-makers in the industry. Save their business cards and contact details for when you’re ready to launch your company. As your launch date approaches send a newsletter announcing it through a service like MailChimp.
The key is the leverage the power of your network, and when contacting them do so strategically. Emails easily get deleted but people do not mind receiving an email announcing a company if they can see what’s in it for them. This is why you should include an offer in your initial newsletter, such as 20% off for first-time clients. This is a great opportunity to attract clients.
Invest wisely
You’ll want to ensure any little money you have is spent wisely. Get business cards and postcard sized pamphlets printed out. These should again advertise your brand and the services you offer.
Once your business cards and pamphlets are ready, you should reach out to people who you would target as clients and leave those behind with them. This way you’re doing your advertising yourself.
By the time you snag your first couple clients you’ve set the ball rolling. When people see the value in what you have to offer, they will come flooding in.