Changemaker and Communications Expert

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Lockrey, owner of Lockrey Communications, located in Duncan, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I shift people, teams, organizations, and cultures to go from overwhelmed to clear and activated. I do this by providing corporate training, coaching, public relations, strategic planning, and crisis communications support to corporations, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and individuals. I also help non-profits learn how to advocate for their organization or sector, as well as the individuals they support.

Tell us about yourself

I started my career over 25 years ago as a journalist and newspaper editor. Through my love of storytelling, I made the shift to public relations. After years of working as a communications manager and post-secondary instructor, I moved to Consulting as I enjoyed the variety of working with different individuals and organizations.

What motivates me is my passion for helping others. Whether it's helping create a communications and community engagement plan for a project, providing training on How to Use Storytelling to Make a Personal Connection, or working with a coaching client, I truly love what I do. The flexibility of working as a consultant allows me to be there for my kids while also being fully present with my clients as I control my time. I also enjoy working with other consultants and creating a virtual team so we're able to provide a full suite of services, bringing our individual expertise to the table. This allows clients to have access to senior professionals without paying agency fees.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

For me, it's making personal connections with clients and other consultants. I do not advertise but rather get clients through word of mouth or through my blogs. As such, I tend to attract organizations and individuals who are excited about finding new ways to connect with their audience, take their organization in a new direction, or elevate the work they do. I love seeing the transformation through the work we do together and being part of the journey.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Not taking on too much, so I have the time and space needed to devote to my customers. I value each client and want to ensure I bring my best to the table. This means not stretching myself or the virtual team of graphic designers, web developers, and photographers I work with too thin. This is why I created an online learning platform. So organizations can get my training, templates, or resources through an easy download.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Be authentic and true to who you are. Don't try to be someone you aren't just to get customers, as people connect with authenticity.
Follow your passion, and the money will come. If money is your main motivation, you may not get joy out of what you're doing. And who wants to run a business without joy?
Create your network. Don't go it alone. Finds ways to connect with other businesses to share clients, collaborate on projects or bounce ideas off each other. By working together, you will grow your business versus trying to keep your cards close.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://howtocommunications.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/howtocommunications
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_lockrey/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CynthiaLockrey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-lockrey/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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