MICHELLE RAPHIRI
Owner and MD
Pretoria
Summary
Seasoned strategic communications practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in public relations, digital marketing, and advertising. The majority of my experience has been with B2C and B2B clients spanning across the pharmaceutical, technology, finance, mining & energy and FMCG sectors. I am currently the Managing Director of Serufe, a strategic communications consultancy specialising in delivering public relations solutions, social media management, media relations and digital marketing services. Our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that help our clients break barriers and create a positive impact in their respective industries and for their key stakeholders. I believe that every business has the potential to be a force for good. By harnessing the power of storytelling and data, my team and I empower our clients to tell their stories of impact thus enabling them to connect with their audiences on a human level.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Owner and MD
Serufe
09.2020 - Current
- Highlight your accomplishments, using numbers if possible.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Led negotiations for major contracts, securing favorable terms that significantly reduced costs.
- Enhanced company's market position by identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
Senior Public Relations Manager
Clockwork
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Highlight your accomplishments, using numbers if possible.
- Evaluated PR agency performance regularly using metrics such as ROI and KPIs ensuring optimal results were delivered consistently.
- Streamlined internal processes for more efficient workflow, resulting in increased productivity within the department.
- Developed compelling press materials, highlighting key accomplishments and value propositions of the organization.
- Built lasting partnerships with external vendors including freelancers photographers designers event planners strengthening overall team capabilities.
- Enhanced brand image by developing and implementing strategic public relations campaigns.
- Led cross-functional teams to create integrated marketing and PR campaigns that successfully launched new products or services into market space.
- Mentored junior staff members to develop their skills in public relations and communications strategy.
- Created targeted media lists to maximize coverage opportunities for various announcements and initiatives.
- Conducted thorough competitor analysis to inform strategic planning and messaging tactics.
- Secured media placements for increased visibility, utilizing strong relationships with journalists and influencers.
- Managed crisis communications to protect the company''s reputation during challenging situations.
- Oversaw social media presence and aligned posts to include branding and trending ideas.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop integrated branding and public relations strategies.
Public Relations Account Manager
Clockwork Media SA
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Highlight your accomplishments, using numbers if possible.
- Increased client satisfaction by building strong relationships and addressing their needs promptly.
- Successfully resolved escalated issues, preventing potential loss of valuable clients while maintaining positive relationships with all parties involved.
- Maintained high client retention rate by providing exceptional customer service and anticipating client needs.
- Conducted regular account reviews to identify areas for improvement and ensure continued success.
- Established clear communication channels between clients and internal teams, ensuring seamless project execution.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, ensuring timely communication and effective problem resolution.
Account Manager
G&G Digital
12.2017 - 04.2018
- Serving as a point of contact for accounts, as an Account Manager I not only assist my clients with their digital requirements but also work on the clients Public Relations.
- Build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships
- Ensure the timely and successful delivery of work according to client needs and objectives
- Clearly communicate the progress of monthly/quarterly initiatives to stakeholders through reporting
- Assisting client with media and influencer relations
- Media syndication
Account Executive
EpicMSLGroup: Samsung
04.2016 - 08.2016
- Assisting the management team with daily tasks
- Reporting
- Media relations like syndicating press releases
- Inviting media to events
- Managing the product reviews process
Education
Board Training -
Institute of Directors South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa01.2024
Programme for Management Development - PM, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
12.2020
Digital Marketing Course - Digital Marketing
Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
12.2018
Public Relations - undefined
IIE Varsity College
12.2012
Degree and Field of Study - undefined
Cornwall Hill College
12.2008
Skills
- Finance
- Project Management
Client service
Relationship building
Business management
Marketing
Verbal and written communication
Strategic planning
Staff management
Operations management
Consulting
Social media control
Marketing tactics
Market trend awareness
Interpersonal skills
Multitasking Abilities
Effective communication
Excellent communication
Time management abilities
Timeline
Owner and MD
Serufe
09.2020 - Current
Senior Public Relations Manager
Clockwork
08.2019 - 08.2020
Public Relations Account Manager
Clockwork Media SA
05.2018 - 08.2019
Account Manager
G&G Digital
12.2017 - 04.2018
Account Executive
EpicMSLGroup: Samsung
04.2016 - 08.2016
Programme for Management Development - PM, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
Digital Marketing Course - Digital Marketing
Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
Public Relations - undefined
IIE Varsity College
Degree and Field of Study - undefined
Cornwall Hill College
Board Training -
Institute of Directors South Africa