1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. I started Shahrp three years ago in January 2004. Prior to this I worked in-house at a fund management company in the Corporate Affairs team, and my first job was at a corporate/financial PR agency. I joined there after completing a post-graduate course in Journalism & PR.
2. What do you enjoy most about being in the Public Relations Business? The variety. Each day is different as are the demands of each client and each project. I enjoy working with clients to help them achieve their business objectives using communication.
3. What was your vision for starting your own company? Whilst I was good at my job, I wanted a new challenge hence setting up my own company.
4. Tell us about the organisations your company supports? Shahrp’s recent and existing clients span a variety of sectors including financial services, business services, recruitment, property, events and online ventures. Shahrp also helps organisations wanting to communicate with ethnic minority groups and clients in this arena include ABi Associates’ Bollywood Brent Project, The Asian Wedding Exhibition, Dynamic Asian Women’s Network (DAWN) and Executive Reach Conferences.
5. What life event or incident made you choose to support them? Often we’ll work with a client on a project but then they’ll choose to work with us again, or extend our remit which is great.
6. What does it feel like to be chosenNorth London’s most inspirational female entrepreneur? I am delighted to have won this award. The recognition is an honour.
7. If you were offering your clients advice about receiving such an honor, how would you suggest they capitalise on the award? Be proud of it and tell people. Perhaps use it in credentials or company literature or the client’s website (which I have yet to do!). Write and distribute your own press release about it and let your target audiences know of your success.
8. From where do you draw inspiration? I am passionate about what I do and seeing clients happy and satisfied with our work keeps me going. I am just naturally inspired as I really enjoy my work.
9. What one thing would you like to learn this year? How to bake a great cake.
10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Still working with good clients and helping them to achieve great things.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? I’m happy to help others where I can. Sometimes that may be sharing advice or information, or opening the black book and connecting people with other individuals or organizations. My message is to encouraging asking! Whether it is a question or help needed, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Also, try doing new things and venturing out of your comfort zone – these are invaluable learning experiences – setting up Shahrp has been the biggest learning opportunity for me. Finally, everyone makes mistakes; the crucial thing is to learn from them.”
For more information visit: http://www.shahrp.com/
