Filed under: Dr. Boyce Money, Budget
Relationship management, brand-building and communication are critical to the success of nearly any interaction or endeavor. Whether you're talking about making things work with your significant other, dealing with a difficult boss or building your own company, these principles are part of the universal infrastructure to personal and corporate success. It is for this reason that Charlotte Purvis, a respected communications consultant, is today's Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight on AOL Black Voices:
What is your name, and what do you do?
First, I want to thank you for this opportunity. My name is Charlotte Purvis, and my company is Purvis Communications Incorporated. I am a communication coach, corporate consultant, and speaker.
What is your educational and professional background?
I was fortunate to have parents who were passionate about education. I was educated in the public schools of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and graduated from Stillman College Upward Bound Program. I earned my B.S. and M.S. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
You started your own business: Purvis Communications Incorporated. What challenges did you face as an entrepreneur, and what word of advice would you offer to other entrepreneurs?
THE CHALLENGES: I have a great story to tell about how Purvis Communications got started and hope to share it with your audience one day. For now, this may be hard to believe but I faced few challenges. That's partly because I didn't know what I didn't know. I didn't have a formal business plan, and I hardly ever thought about sales and marketing. I did focus on client relationships. This has paid off. Since 1985, Purvis Communications clients have been responsible for bringing in nearly 100% of the business through their referrals and repeat business. THE ADVICE: The takeaway for me - and the advice I offer to other entrepreneurs - is that above all, enjoy what you do and be intentional about developing long-term relationships with your clients. With your passion and a positive attitude, you can build from there.
As a communication coach, you offer a variety of programs. Please share how your services are superior to those of your competitors and where the AOL Black Voices audience can find out more information.
PROGRAMS: Presentation coaching, coaching for interviews, customer service training, coaching to support high performance behaviors, custom coaching programs for corporate managers and leaders, and keynote speeches.
MOTTO: "Communicate. Grow. Succeed."
LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS: Having long-term relationships with clients is key to the success of a business. For example, I have been a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) business partner since 1997 when I became the communication coach and customer service consultant for the GSK Response Center. In 2010 (13 years after the partnership began), GSK outsourced a function to Purvis Communications, a first for us.
BUILDING A BRAND: The Purvis Communications brand is to gladly go above and beyond what clients expect. One of my favorite examples is the privilege I had to arrange housekeeping and support services for a client facing health challenges.
THE EXTRAS: I enjoy surprising my clients, taking them to new places, and introducing them to new activities. Just recently I took a client on a "field trip," so she could experience customer service at an award-winning restaurant. In 2010, I surprised a client when I went to a high school football game where her sons were playing. FOR MORE INFORMATION, please email me at: charlottepurvis@mindspring.com
Do you have any advice for aspiring young African Americans who wish to follow in your footsteps?
TO ASPIRING YOUNG AFRICAN AMERICANS: Communication is the #1 skill employers seek and a top skill for your success. Focus on your written, verbal, and non-verbal communication. Ask for feedback about your communication style. Pay attention to the communication styles of people you consider successful and learn from them.
It's important to get help and not try to do everything required to manage a business. Remember: Do what you do best, and get help with the rest.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our AOL Black Voices audience?
Yes, I'll share what I call "The 3 F's":
1. FAITH - Whether you're employed, self-employed, under-employed, or unemployed, do something everyday to build your faith.
2. FEARLESSNESS - Take action on something you've been dreading: Speak up. Write a letter. Confront a wrong. Clear out clutter. Delete email messages. Apologize. Challenge a thought pattern. Self-correct.
3. FUN - It's important to have balance in your life. If you work hard and aren't having fun, there is lack of balance. BEST WISHES - I send best wishes to everyone in the AOL Black Voices audience. I'm optimistic about what's ahead and wish for all of us more faith, fearlessness, and fun.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the bookBlack American Money To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. To suggest a subject for a Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight, please click here. To follow Dr. Boyce on Facebook, please click here.