Belinda Richardson


Belinda Richardson
'Spotlight' is designed to give us all inspiration and confirm that anyone can make his or her business dream or that promotion a reality...

Spotlight On: ~ BELINDA RICHARDSON ~ and RCG.

This month read on to find out all about Belinda Richardson


Profile
Belinda Richardson is a partner in the PR/Marketing Firm RCG, (Richardson Communications Group). Belinda runs the company with her brother and business partner, Darren Richardson. Belinda and Darren are the current 'Young Heroes of Business' for Victoria. RCG has been in operation for three years, with offices on St Kilda Road in Melbourne and in North Sydney.

RCG's client list includes; The Committee for Melbourne, the Victorian State Government and Kiss FM. They specialise in developing campaigns to target youth markets around Australia a demographic difficult to reach through traditional methods of advertising.

RCG also offers a range of services to small and medium enterprises, to help business owners effectively market their business.

In 2002, RCG launches their first book, Expose Yourself, the ultimate guide to marketing small businesses.

Occupation/Title
Partner


Company/Organization
RCG (Richardson Communications group)

State
Vic & NSW (Melbourne & Sydney)

Age
27

Where did you grow up?
Right out in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, at the foot of Mt Dandenong

What was your first job?
My first part time job when I was still at school was at 'Ring-a-Ling' Chinese. It was one of the first home delivery places around. It was absolutely disgusting, but I was 15 (legally too young to work). I had to lie about my age to get the job.

My first 'proper job' was in Human Resources at Victorian College of the Arts.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
When I was a kid I wanted to be a fighter pilot, Mum and Dad weren't impressed! I have wanted to be in PR since I was in Year 11.

How did you get to where you are now?
Lots of incredibly hard work and persistence. I didn't originally get in to PR at RMIT, so I studied a different degree (Bachelor Business Human Resources & Industrial Relations). I worked in HR for a few years, and realised I still wanted to be in PR / Marketing. I found a job in PR and went back to uni part-time studying Post Grad PR while I was working. With my two degrees combined, I spent 8 years studying part time and working full time. All my friends were out having fun and I was always home studying. There were times when I really didn't think I would get through. If you want something bad enough, you just have to put your heart and soul in to it.

How many hours a week do you work?
It really varies depending on our workload. Some weeks I might only work 30 hours, other weeks it will be 75 hours. I catch up on my sleep and social life when we are quieter.

Where would you like to be in ten years?
Retired! I have no idea where we will be in ten years. I couldn't go back to working for someone else. After three years working for myself I'm virtually unemployable these days! So, I will be in a business of some description. My business partner and I imagine that after say five years, we will be ready to start another business we don't know what that might be yet.

I want to have enough money to do the things I love, I want to be happy, having fun and enjoying life. I also want to have more time to follow my passion of scuba diving and marine protection.

What advice would you give to somebody embarking on their first business or aspiring to achieve extraordinary career goals?
Believe in yourself. Have great big, crazy dreams and just go for them. We are all capable of really amazing things if we believe in ourselves and work hard. Surround yourself with like-minded, successful people who can help you reach your goals. Never be scared to tell people your dreams, you will be amazed at how many people will help you if you are brave enough to follow your dreams.

What do you class as your biggest career achievement?
Winning the 'Young Hero' Award this year. It is awarded to people under the age of 30 who are running a successful business.

What is the best piece of advice anybody has given you?
Recession proof your business! Most businesses now started in good economic times and have never lived through a recession. We all need to be award that the economy does go into recession at least every ten years. Plan now to make sure your business can survive a recession.

Fast Facts
Who living or dead would you most like to invite to dinner?
The Crocodile Hunter. People think he's crazy, but I love his passion for crocodiles, his energy and hilarious ability to laugh at himself!

Name a movie that actually inspired you?
It's a bit of a cliché, but I have to say 'Life is Beautiful,' the Italian Film.

Your favourite toy as a child:
Rebecca the elephant

What are you reading at the moment?
The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell
Great book about how products and events in life become an epidemic.

Which song transports you to another place when you hear it and why?
'I Hide You,' not sure who it's by but it's played by my favourite DJ, Sasha. It takes me back to Summer Dayze last New Years Day. It was around midnight, a beautiful warm night at the Myer Music Bowl. There was around 20 000 people there and an incredible atmosphere. All my close friends were there, enjoying the fresh air, great views, fantastic music and trying to recover after New Years Eve!

Your favourite place in the world, and why?
Being a huge fan of marine life, I have to say The Great Barrier Reef and all of Far North Queensland. There is something truly calming and profound about spending time on the water and diving with beautiful fish, coral and marine life.

What is your idea of the perfect Sunday?
Sleeping in, hanging out with Jonesy (my cat) in the morning. Then heading up the road to the St Kilda cafes and bars with good friends, kicking back in the sunshine.

Learn More about Belinda via the RCG website! www.richardsoncomms.com.au
If you would like to get into contact with RCG - call: +61 3 9821 5668

Many thanks from the Femail.com.au team!

- Michelle Palmer

MORE