A start-up in these recessionary times is certainly not the best of ideas. This is what many of well-meaning friends told me.

You note their advice, ponder on it and start evaluating the risks and profits – does this apply to my industry (public relations), is there a need for public relations in these difficult times, and should you decide to go ahead, can you sustain that initial burst of enthusiasm for more than a year, etc.

After working in the Public Relations business for more than 12 years, I was faced with the same dilemma. But I decided to go ahead – it is a big risk that I have taken but with a silent and earnest prayer and the support of my honest friends, I have embarked on a new venture that will change my life forever.

We have just started but we remain convinced that there exists more than ever a need for PR services now. In the Middle East and Africa, public relations is fast emerging as an important communications tool in the marketing mix, with many companies recognizing its significance only now.

We see a great sea of opportunities in the region and we will persist in communicating our clients’ story to the audiences, with a great deal of conviction and credibility.

My advice to other budding entrepreneurs is – if you firmly believe in your own capabilities and remain true to your clients’ businesses, you can certainly do it!

Here, I would like to thank a few friends who have put in a great deal of efforts (which cannot be measured) to ensure that ESA PR takes off smoothly. There are others too – clients, media, former colleagues and friends – who have rallied behind this venture. I would particularly like to recognize the work of: