#WIB – Q&A With Shantall Ramatsui Founder Of Shantui Solutions
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. Shantui PR is an African-based consulting company, that offers a full spectrum of PR and Digital Marketing to corporate companies, government departments and agencies, research and development organisations, aerospace, defence, maritime industry, mining and engineering companies, and NPOs, PBOs and SMMEs.
Shantui PR is a division of Shantui Solutions, which is an enterprise development agency that services the SME market by providing high-quality data and services that lead to confident decision-making and improved processes. The services include Brand Management, Business Development, Business Planning, Business Process Management, Company Registration, Digital Marketing, Funding Solutions, Marketing, Public Relations Coaching, Research and Restructuring.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I started Shantui Solutions, the enterprise development agency and Shantui PR, the public relations agency, in July 2020. This was after I realised that I was not receiving positive responses from the job market 3 years after my last employment. I also found that I was providing my skills pro-bono and realised that I could actually monetise my skills as there was clearly a demand. This created a need to formalise the businesses.
Both companies are supported by my over 10 years of experience in public relations, marketing and business management attained during my tenure in corporate.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. I call myself the Chief Implementation Officer and this is now my official title as the buck stops with me. I manage and oversee the business operations, administration, marketing, finance, human resources, client services and client projects.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I have two qualifications in Public Relations and Marketing attained from the University of South Africa. I have also completed various advanced programmes in digital marketing, creative writing, financial management and entrepreneurship development. I am currently studying towards an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. I bootstrapped. I started by selling baked goods in my neighbourhood to raise funds to purchase a laptop and related equipment to start a business that operates remotely and online. The enterprise development and PR businesses did not require a huge outlay as is the case with most service-orientated businesses. The revenue generated is now re-invested into the business growth strategy.
I am still working towards break-even and then my expansion plans will be implemented with the profits that I have forecasted. This will also allow for diversification into other businesses.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. Most days start with a walk or a run. It is a time that I also use to pray and connect with God. I also use this time to clear my mind and prepare mentally for the day.
I am systematic as I believe that to complete tasks I need to plan for them. In this way, I have room to manoeuvre in the event that I have to manage a crisis.
I am currently putting in 12 hours of work a day, as it is necessary for the size of my business, goals and the fact that I have limited human capital.
Given the digital world, we operate in, I am able to cover most tasks and meetings as I do not have to travel for in-person meetings – which can be time-consuming. This privilege also leads to quick decision making which allows me to deliver faster and make way for new projects.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. It is a challenge to balance the two. As one embarks on the entrepreneurial journey, most of your focus and resources go into the business. I do, however, ensure that I do not lose sight of the personal matters in my life.
I have systems in place so that I do not drop any balls as I juggle home and work life. I am also spiritually inclined and find my relationship with God to be integral in all I do.
I am a golfer at heart. I make an effort to find my way to a golf course, which is one of my happy places when I need some time out.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. The need to succeed is my main driving force. I also want to impact, positively, on those around me. The initial reason for establishing Shantui Solutions was to provide quality services at reasonable costs so that as many people who have business ideas can approach us to make their dreams a reality. The thought that these businesses will be job creators and contributors to the economy is what keeps me going.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. My best ideas are mostly influenced during the process of assessing a client’s business goals. One of the advisory services I provide is finding ways to position the company to enable it to reach its sales goals to its defined market audience. For example, recently, a farmer and food processor shared their product list (bulk vegetables) and we then concluded that they target caterers by inviting them to their farm for a light lunch, refreshments and a tour of their farm. This creates a more personal engagement with the customers who will consider them when they make their buying decisions.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. I have been in a fortunate position to mostly get sales leads by word of mouth and through referrals from existing clients. Given that we target small businesses, we promote our services through the channels owned by business forums and associations.
I have just set new targets for the company’s growth strategy which now includes a marketing strategy that leverages all channels and tactics. This will be very important as the business migrates to operate fully on Cloud.
11. What is next for your business?
A. As our business is mostly operated virtually, we are now moving towards full migration to Cloud. In the past year, we have also attracted clients from other countries in Africa and Europe and this presents us with an opportunity to become a global service provider making it critical for us to optimise the IoT (Internet of Things) to grow and service our market audience.
In the next year, I will provide learnership opportunities to Business Management, Marketing and Public Relations graduates, especially from TVET/Colleges to empower them to use their academic knowledge in practice. In so doing, I grow the skills for my company, clients and the industry.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. The most important action to take is to start. Ensure that you understand the industry that you are entering and connect with current players in the industry to get more insights from them about the challenges and opportunities. Also, believe in yourself and your idea. The fact that you thought about it, means that it is legitimate.
If your business idea is solving a problem, you know that you will have customers who need your solutions. So go for it.
As you consider your entrepreneurial journey do attend business development and entrepreneurship programmes that are aimed at women owned businesses. These programmes are often offered at no cost by corporate companies, government institutions and business advocacy bodies such as WEConnect International, National Empowerment Fund, Huawei, Moody’s and many more.
The learnings from these are immensely beneficial to all businesses.
Short Bio
Shantall Ramatsui is the founder and Chief Implementation Officer of Shantui Solutions, an enterprise development agency.
She has over 10 years of experience in corporate marketing, business development, public relations and management. A public relations maven and serial entrepreneur who has served on various executive committees of business associations in South Africa, she aims to influence small businesses to succeed in becoming sustainable entities. This is evident in her support of the Township Economy Revitalisation Programme.
Contact information:
info@shantuisolutions
+27 71 457 8289
Social media links
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/colonel-shantall-ramatsui-89774818/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shantallterri