Navigating the often over saturated world of business messaging and communications can present a challenge to companies and organisations, both large and small. But Lunice Johnston, founder of the specialist communications company that bears her name, has the solutions and 25 years of experience to match.

LoA found out more about this specialist communications company this month and its unique differentiator in the marketplace.

What does your company do?

At Lunice Johnston Communications, we are your bridge to PR and Media Relations. We appreciate how vital an in-depth understanding of the business world and of the role played by the media are to our clients’ overall business goals. We believe that achieving successful outcomes for you in this arena involves an inherent respect for and understanding of technology, the medium, the journalist or interviewer, the industry as a whole, and the issues that face you in particular. Lunice Johnston Communications specialises in media relations, PR, reputation management, crisis communication, stakeholder management, social media management and training. We ensure our 25 years of experience in these fields functions as the bridge to your business objectives, connecting you to other stakeholders through meaningful engagements that result in opportunities to grow your business. We bring passion, respect and integrity to all our relationships. In our goal to be the bridge to your business positioning, we listen to what you, our clients say and interrogate it to understand your requirements as comprehensively as possible. Together we connect the necessary components to create communication and relationship programmes that are fully aligned with your business objectives. Our training interventions have a positive impact on skills development and provide each participant with a platform to discover their full potential.

We offer the following workshops:
• Reputation management
• Personal branding
• Social media
• Crisis management
• Proactive media engagement & media training

"We bring passion, respect and integrity to all our relationships. In our goal to be the bridge to your business positioning, we listen to what you our clients say and interrogate it to understand your requirements as comprehensively as possible."

What inspired you to start your company?

I spent the most part of my career at agencies and always felt safe receiving a salary at the end of the month. I thought after 25 years, it is time to spread my wings and apply what I've learnt to become independent. Without any clients, it was a huge leap of faith but I do not regret one step of this fascinating journey. It is quite liberating knowing I am in control of my own destiny, the author of my own story.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

In our goal to be the bridge to your business positioning, we listen to what our clients say and interrogate it to understand their requirements as comprehensively as possible. Together we connect the necessary components to create communication and relationship programmes that are fully aligned with your business objectives. We have extensive experience of the business environment so we understand how to provide a wide range of individualized services to each of our clients, from a media announcement to developing and implementing a complete strategy. What I know I teach, hence the development of training materials to host and facilitate workshops which can enhance core skills in this space.

"We have extensive experience of the business environment so we understand how to provide a wide range of individualized services to each of our clients, from a media announcement to developing and implementing a complete strategy."

Tell us a little about your team

Currently, my team is only me. The business model is allowing to form collaborative relationships with other like minded people who are experts in their own right. Together, we are adding value to the client, without them having to pay and arm and a leg for a professional service.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I don't come from an entrepreneurial background. but I always had an interest in business. I always had a vision of being an in-house communications specialist for an international firm. However, life throws you all kinds of weird and wonderful curve-balls . Twice before have I taken huge leaps of faith and resigned without having another job and every time landed safely on my feet without too much disruptions to my life. I suppose third time lucky, as I really felt this time round the time was perfect for me to venture on my own. I love a challenge and do not regret for one minute taking this huge step.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

I am hoping to grow the training/workshop aspect of the business into a sustainable business. This will enable me to do pro-bono consulting work for NGOs who really have a good story to tell but don't seem to know exactly how.

"I do not regret one step of this fascinating journey. It is quite liberating knowing I am in control of my own destiny, the author of my own story."

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

Being in control of my own destination and making instant decisions.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

Be disciplined - wake-up every morning with a purpose...dress up, take your handbag and physically go to a workspace, even if it's at a dining room table. Don’t ever fall into a habit of working in your PJs. Allow yourself enough me-time, as you will certainly bear the fruits. Be professional - your personal brand is of utmost importance in building your business.

Contact or follow Lunice Johnston Communications

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL lunice@lunice.co.za

Why LoA loves it….

As any communications professional knows, often it’s more important to listen than to talk in the first instance, gaining the necessary insights and nuances from a client brief before embarking on creating the solutions. Lunice Johnston is a specialist in this field, with a wealth of experience and industry expertise to bring to any client communications challenge. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa