#WIB – Q&A With Magdaleen Scott Founder Of KVD Communications
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
KVD Communications is a public relations and communications agency which acts as an extension of its clients’ communications and marketing departments. As trusted advisors and expert consultants, we guide clients through the ever-evolving landscape of brand communications.
We keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital advancements, to unlock new possibilities for our clients’ brand. From crafting compelling stories to leveraging the power of public relations, we ensure their message resonates with their target audience.
Understanding that effective communication is the cornerstone of success, we specialise in harnessing the potential of both traditional and digital media, creating seamless campaigns that captivate and engage audiences.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
The business was established in 2019 when I realised that there was a gap in the market for good storytelling to build and enhance a brand’s reputation and reach. Due to a rapidly evolving environment, finding opportunities as a consultant had become more challenging. I’m a firm believer that all good ideas emanate from a crisis and I recognised an opportunity to create an agency that effectively operated as an extension of the client’s business. At the same time, I was determined to provide employment opportunities for like-minded, capable and hardworking women who shared my vision.
3. What is your role in the business?
I’m the founder and MD of KVD Communications.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
I graduated with a BA in Corporate Communications from the University of Johannesburg.
5. How did you finance your business?
KVD was self-financed from the outset. I quickly learned to be money wise and have never sought funding.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
I’m a hands-on business owner and entrepreneur so I’m involved in all aspects of the business from human resources to client services, media relations, copywriting, administration and even packing boxes. There is no job in this business that I haven’t done myself at some point – or that I won’t do again should the need arise. In this business, no two days ever look the same which keeps us all on our toes.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
I have strict boundaries when it comes to my work life and family life. I’m the mother of two busy boys and I prioritise time with them in the evenings and on weekends. However, I don’t believe it’s possible to balance work and home life, rather that one needs to integrate both areas. The work environment is incredibly demanding and its tougher than ever for a small business to succeed. That means you can’t be half in and half out but need to be fully committed to making it work. So, when a client demands a 6pm meeting, you show up with a positive attitude.
Despite my demanding schedule, I always ensure that I am present for every significant moment in my children’s lives. Whether it’s cheering them on at soccer games with my laptop in tow or attending their school concerts, for me family always comes first. My approach to managing the various roles I am in, is a testament to my resilience, dedication, and the love I have for both my family and profession.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
I’m driven by the need to establish connections with others. I’m inspired by books and try to allocate time each week to being quiet; listening to the silence has a way of heightening your sense of self. I believe in the study of just ‘being’. This involves self-analysis, reflection and accepting that as long as I’ve given my all, to accept how things turn out.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
My best ideas tend to be early in the morning, but I also operate well in a crisis when my adrenalin kicks in. I think it’s important that business leaders learn to take a step back and consider issues objectively. One’s gut tends to generate excellent ideas if you learn to listen to it.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
All our business has, to date, been through word of mouth and satisfied clients who have recommended our services. I have never marketed or advertised for new business.
11. What is next for your business?
I have ambitious plans for the business which include expanding beyond South Africa’s borders in due course. Watch this space.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
There is no question that the business environment has become more challenging in recent years: to succeed you need to work faster, harder and more strategically than ever before. However, a more difficult business environment comes with opportunities. Key to succeeding as an entrepreneur is the ability to spot those opportunities. Don’t try to be good at everything: play to your strengths and hire people with the skills you don’t have where necessary. It goes without being said that resilience is absolutely critical. See failure as an opportunity to learn and to make you a better entrepreneur in the long term.
Short bio:
Magdaleen Scott is an accomplished communications professional and an experienced business and marketing strategist. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Magdaleen provides her clients with a unique blend of insight and expertise to help propel them to the next level of growth and success.
During the course of her career, she has advised brands in numerous industries including financial services, technology, mining, engineering, travel and tourism, agriculture, and media and marketing.
No stranger to accolades and recognition, campaigns she has worked on have frequently been recognised at the Prism Awards, Africa’s most sought-after public relations and communications awards, as well as the Loeries Awards, Africa and the Middle East’s premier creative awards.
Recognising a gap in the market, in 2019 she founded KVD Communications, a full-service communications agency providing public relations, marketing, and digital media services to clients across various industries. KVD Communication’s primary goal is to help businesses enhance their brand visibility and reputation through strategic communication efforts.
Raised by a single mother in a very modest and humble home in rural South Africa, Magdaleen suffered long bouts of ill health as a child, these early hardships played a critical role in shaping the resilient and driven woman she is today.
Website: www.kvdc.co.za
Linkedin: Magdaleen Scott