Rita Okoye started her professional career almost 20 years ago, having gained a Bachelor of Arts (Second Class Upper Honours) degree in Humanities from Middlesex University which included modules in Media Ethics, Communications and Philosophy. Armed with a post-graduate diploma from the London School of Publishing, and years of experience working for some of the biggest brands such as BBC, Channel 5, FT Magazines, Pride Magazine and Natwest Bank, she returned to Nigeria to start her own business. She talks to Connect Nigeria about her events and publicity company, Majestically Rare.CN: How would you describe your business?RO: Majestically Rare is a premium events and publicity company that specialises in assisting small to medium sized businesses with their marketing campaigns. This involves understanding the clients’ requirements, identifying their target audience and developing and executing a strategic marketing plan which may involve the creation of a single or multiple events, media exposure and/or an online campaign in order to be successful. With our strong approach to publicity, we go the extra mile to ensure that our clients’ events and product promotion are exceptional and a resounding success. Over the years we have established a network of high quality vendors and suppliers both locally and internationally, enabling us to assist our clients in making the right choices, on time and according to their budget. Our motto is ‘where only the very best will do’.
CN: Who is your target client?RO: We have a preference for corporate clients who are international in their outlook and require high quality event coordination. In addition our target clients appreciate the value of good PR and publicity for their events, services and products. Our private clients appreciate the finer things in life and are looking for exclusive classy events with the right ambience. We adhere to international standards of best practice.
CN: What inspired you to start Majestically Rare?RO: I come from a marketing and events background having spent eight years in a busy marketing department of the BBC before I relocated to Nigeria in 2008. It was always my plan to set up my own events and publicity firm when I relocated to Lagos. My inspiration comes from serving people and I have always been passionate about events and publicity.
Third Annual Investors Conference photo credit: majesticallyrare.comCN: What challenges did you face in starting up your business?RO: It was challenging building our brand and track record to the point where we were attracting high quality clients. We didn’t have the funds for advertising to gain exposure so we had to look for creative ways to build the brand. We achieved very good exposure by writing insightful and inspiring articles related to the field of events and publicity.
CN: What role does the internet play in your business?RO: The internet is a marketer and a publicist’s dream because its gives us such powerful channels to reach a targeted audience and publicise our clients’ products. We maximize multiple channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and other types of social media. It is also very easy to quantify returns on money spent. In addition, the internet is a great tool to advertise our own services.
Genevieve Anniversary Party photo credit: majesticallyrare.comCN: What is the most challenging project you have ever worked on or handled?RO: In recent times, events that we manage have been more focused on generating exposure for client products. This leads to greater pressure as success is measured by product sales. The challenge has been making sure we targetthe right audience, with the right publicity and get a good return on investment. Some of these new engagements have included generating publicity for a new international school, drawing customers to a new restaurant and increasing the exposure of a new weight loss product.
CN: What is your unique selling point and why should Nigerians choose you over competitors? RO: We care. We really do care. Some people do business just because they want to make money but with Majestically Rare, we care about our clients. We want to assist them to bring their vision to reality. We are passionate about their success. We don’t want to just collect our fees and run off to the next brief. We believe business is about building good relationships. We aim to go the extra mile and really make sure our clients are truly satisfied with our services. This has brought repeat business. I believe people really want to work with people they like and trust.
A classy wedding photo credit: majesticallyrare.comCN: Who are your role models/mentors? RO: My husband is a great sounding board for the business vision.My mum is my role model. She has done so many things in her life which would seem impossible to most. She has a lot of determination and boldness. My mum is a champion. Mrs. Udo Okonjo is my business mentor and possibilities igniter. She has taught me how to look at things from a view of unlimited possibilities, purpose and power.
CN: What are your favourite quotes? RO: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me” – William H. Johnsen. It means you really have to take 100% responsibility for your life. Another favourite is, “Sooner or later those who win are those who think they can.” – Richard Bach. It’s really about winning for me this year in all areas of my life. I’m in it to win it – that’s my charge for 2014.
CN: Where do you see Majestically Rare in five years?
RO: Majestically Rare is focused on growing a high profile client base. In five years, we expect to have a roster of multiple local and international clients, implementing multimillion dollar campaigns on their behalf in Lagos, across the country and internationally. We are also planning a training school where we can teach business etiquette, communication skills, event management and best practice for the industry.
CN: What advice do you have for young women looking to set up small/medium enterprises?RO: Find a mentor. Find someone who has really shone in their field and is doing well because success leaves clues. Don’t be afraid to ask. People really do like to give out information about their journey. A successful business requires a lot of hard work and determination. You have to cut off or cut back on things that distract you, whether it’s toxic friendships, social media or watching too much television. Face your business, read more, keep on learning and focus on your goals.
Joy Ehonwa is an editor and a writer who is passionate about relationships and personal development. She runs Pinpoint Creatives, a proofreading, editing, transcription and ghostwriting service.
Email: pinpointcreatives [at] yahoo.com
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CN: How would you describe your business?
RO: Majestically Rare is a premium events and publicity company that specialises in assisting small to medium sized businesses with their marketing campaigns. This involves understanding the clients’ requirements, identifying their target audience and developing and executing a strategic marketing plan which may involve the creation of a single or multiple events, media exposure and/or an online campaign in order to be successful. With our strong approach to publicity, we go the extra mile to ensure that our clients’ events and product promotion are exceptional and a resounding success. Over the years we have established a network of high quality vendors and suppliers both locally and internationally, enabling us to assist our clients in making the right choices, on time and according to their budget. Our motto is ‘where only the very best will do’.
CN: Who is your target client?
RO: We have a preference for corporate clients who are international in their outlook and require high quality event coordination. In addition our target clients appreciate the value of good PR and publicity for their events, services and products. Our private clients appreciate the finer things in life and are looking for exclusive classy events with the right ambience. We adhere to international standards of best practice.
CN: What inspired you to start Majestically Rare?
RO: I come from a marketing and events background having spent eight years in a busy marketing department of the BBC before I relocated to Nigeria in 2008. It was always my plan to set up my own events and publicity firm when I relocated to Lagos. My inspiration comes from serving people and I have always been passionate about events and publicity.
