Startup Story
Linda Young is the co-founder of Pocket People Solutions, a South African specialist HR business built on a foundation of strong values and a holistic approach to managing people talent for its clients. The business focuses on helping other businesses to build highly skilled and motivated workforces that can fulfill their potential and contribute to overall company success.
LoA spoke to Linda Young about her business journey so far and her vision for the future.
What does your company do?
Pocket People Solutions present the full spectrum of Human Resources services: employee relations, training, and skills development services to providing our clients with highly skilled and motivated employees, who will perform to their potential and will result in a positive and sustainable impact on the bottom line.
“Pocket People Solutions is a business based on strong values and a holistic approach to managing people talent.”
What inspired you to start your company?
After being a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, and then going through a divorce, it was time to move back into the working world. I was approached by Glynis, my business partner, to start a new venture in 2015 which would still provide the flexible working hours and home/work balance I desired. I was bowled over that after all these years, someone still believed in me and my abilities - and was keen to take a chance on me! Through all the ups and downs, I don’t think either of us has looked back!
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Pocket People Solutions is a business based on strong values and a holistic approach to managing people talent. The relationships we form with our clients, and our personal service is what we are most proud of. We are deadline and results driven, and our competitive rates are attractive to our clients in these tough economic times.
“The relationships we form with our clients, and our personal service is what we are most proud of.”
Tell us a little about your team:
Glynis, and I formed a friendship in 1995 while working for a fashion retailer. Over the years, our friendship has grown, and since 2015, we are now business partners that form our dynamic team of two. Glynis has an HR qualification, tons of experience and is an exceptional employee relations and performance management expert. I have a retail and HR qualification and my passion is to focus on the learning and development area of our business. We are both registered Assessors and Moderators and thrive on the development of others. We are most content in a training room while empowering learners.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Whilst being at stay-at-home mom, I assisted the family business with general accounting and payroll tasks. This kept my brain active and involved in the working world. During this time, I learnt a lot about driving sales and the effect that expenses had on the bottom line.
Glynis and I both have a human resources and training background in the retail industry, so that’s where our networking efforts began. The first few months in business was a daunting process of figuring out banking, marketing, website development and accounting processes, and we have learnt so much from our journey. I feel that there is always someone with an answer to a question I have and have learnt to network with the right people. Networking and building a solid support system through events such as “the Lioness Lean In” has proven invaluable to me.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We currently spend many hours processing HR admin for clients, such as SDF work, Mandatory/ Discretionary Grant applications, HR policy and procedure development, learning material development, assessment, and moderation. While we enjoy admin tasks, we aspire to spend more time with learners - either in the classroom, workplace or remotely - and thereby contributing towards the fulfilling of their learning goals – and thereby maximizing the profitability of my client’s business. Our services are constantly evolving, and we take every opportunity to expand our offering into a new area of business.
“We are deadline and results driven, and our competitive rates are attractive to our clients in these tough economic times.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The daunting journey of being an entrepreneur is made sweeter when a customer provides positive feedback:
“Their professional and refined approach makes working with them a pleasure, and they have a great way of keeping everyone updated on any changes or progress. Their input, support and practical advice has been invaluable to us – they provide total peace of mind.”
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
There seems to be very little job security in these economic times, but when you are your own boss, I believe you have more control of your situation - and of your future. It is important to work with clients that share your values, focus on building your brand and reputation, and foster good working relationships with clients, associates, and your network. In the early years, we had a saying “fake it until you make it” – we believed in our capabilities, showed confidence, and defeated challenges one small bite at a time.
Contact or follow Pocket People Solutions
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | EMAIL linda@pocketps.co.za
Why LoA loves it…
A business is only as strong as its people, and therefore ensuring business success means managing and motivating people to achieve their potential. Getting great people management advice and support is essential, and Linda Young and her team at Pocket People Solutions are on hand with that specialist knowledge, a wealth of experience, and the right advice for every challenge. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa