NZ Business back issues from May 2009:
Who's not participating then?(From the EDITOR)(small and medium sized companies marketing strategy)(Editorial)
May 01, 2009; ... You have to admire New Zealand's business owners. They've displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability during this--(oops, I almost mentioned the 'R' word!) er, challenging time. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I like the declaration by many businesses that they are ...
Go hard or go home.(LETTER TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
May 01, 2009; ... In reference to Glen Senior's article "A Survival Guide for Small Business Owners" (Page 55, April issue) I tend to agree mostly with what he says. However, I would like to draw the line at his last 10 suggestions (lumped under the convenient category of marketing). Cut back on ...
Marketing assistance for just over $1 a day.(BRIEF CASE)(Synthesis Marketing develops online marketing services)(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... A new online marketing service is making it easier for small and medium business owners to successfully tackle their marketing. Developed by Wellington's Synthesis Marketing, business owners get easy access to practical marketing assistance for just over $1 per day. "In ...
Export managers preparing for upturn.(BRIEF CASE)
May 01, 2009 ... A group of pioneering exporters are celebrating despite the economic gloom. Not content to just sit back, the first graduates from the New Zealand School of Export are preparing themselves and their businesses for the upturn. The graduates, who include Trevor Millar, export ...
Supreme world class honours for Taylor.(BRIEF CASE)
May 01, 2009 ... With world acclaim for his career in special effects, multi-Oscar winner Richard Taylor was recently celebrated on his home stage as the Supreme Winner in the 2009 World Class New Zealand Awards. The awards recognise New Zealand's tallest poppies, as nominated and judged by ...
Giving customers a voice.(BRIEF CASE)(Fried installs customer feedback system )(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... Kiwis generally don't like to complain about a bad service experience, but are happy to relay the experience to scores of friends and family. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Christchurch marketing company Fried has launched Texsys--a new customer feedback system that allows ...
The small business advisor.(Cartoon)
May 01, 2009; ... I guess that is one way to rebrand to take advantage of a recession ...
Virtual events beat tyranny of distance.(BRIEF CASE)(Virtual Expos NZ manages virtual events platform )(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... New Zealand's geographical location is no longer a barrier for our exporters. Virtual Expos NZ (VENZ) has launched a ground-breaking virtual events platform to give companies instant global presence. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Going virtual puts you in the same space of ...
Online escrow company aims to save millions.(BRIEF CASE)(SafeKiwi's online financial services)
May 01, 2009 ... Mike Pero has launched a new financial service that he believes will save Kiwis million of dollars. SafeKiwi is an Internet based "escrow" agent that should help prevent unnecessary losses in business or personal financial transactions. Modelled on overseas services, SafeKiwi ...
Green Carbon one year on.(BRIEF CASE)
May 01, 2009 ... St Patrick's Day marked the first anniversary of Green Carbon, the carbon credits trading company started up by young entrepreneur Seeby Woodhouse. Green Carbon advises on all matters related to carbon foot-printing, carbon management and carbon neutrality, and has grown into a fully ...
Contract sales force helps bottom line.(BRIEF CASE)
May 01, 2009 ... A new agency is helping companies manage staff shortages in the wake of growing redundancies. Ginja Marketing and Event Management supplies contractors to companies forced to cut staff. The company provides sales and marketing resources as an alternative to full-time staff members for ...
Award seeks humanitarian innovation.(BRIEF CASE)(Adept Ltd)(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... Auckland plastics and medical device manufacturer Adept Ltd wants to unleash the ideas of clever Kiwis to help humanity, and is offering $50,000 for the winning innovation. Adept's 'Designs for Life' award encourages people to come up with new ideas that will improve the quality ...
Biz diary.(Calendar)
May 01, 2009 ... MAY 2009 BIZ DAIRY 4-5 Mastering Negotiation Skills Pam Cronin. Auckland. For details phone 09 379 5892 or visit www.brightstar.co.nz 5 ICE Bridge Roadshow 5.30pm Peppers Clearwater Hotel ...
The 'plain-English' online business guide.(BIZ BOOKS)
May 01, 2009 ... If you're contemplating setting up an online business, do yourself a big favour--read this book first from cover to cover. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Written by Internet expert Melissa Norfolk and Greg Holden, the author of eBay PowerUser's Bible, the Australian and New ...
Recipes to grow your business.(BIZ BOOKS)(Quick Bites to be refered for corporate growth guidance)(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... Building a business is a lot like following a good recipe; you need to identify and gather the very best ingredients, blend them together in just the right way using the right methods at the right time and in the right order. And, says Julia Bickerstaff, in her new book How to Bake a ...
Self-made millionaires and how they made it.(BIZ BOOKS)
May 01, 2009 ... Most people want to be wealthy, but they don't aspire to have the business empires of the magnitude of Bill Gate's Microsoft or the Trump billions. We just want to be free from money worries and we're looking for that 'breakthrough' to set us on the path to financial freedom, suggests ...
What separates world-class performers from everybody else?(BIZ BOOKS)(business owners needs talent to perform)(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... Few, if any, people around you are truly great at what they do. But why? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Asked to explain why only a few people excel, most of us offer one or two answers--hard work or a natural talent. However, scientific evidence doesn't support the notion ...
Book of the month.(Deliver: 36 Real Life Stories on Leadership)(Book review)
May 01, 2009; ... Deliver: 36 Real Life Stories on Leadership, by Carey Smith, RRP $24.99--self published by Carey Smith with assistance from PublishMe (www.publishme.co.nz) At its Auckland launch, Mayor John Banks described Deliver as a pocket book resource, proving the point by showing how well ...
Creating a business that can run itself.(BIZ BOOKS)(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... Many people go into business for themselves thinking it will free them from the restrictions of grinding out long hours in a job--only to find themselves trapped in a business that demands all of their time, energy and emotions. Having owned five businesses over 30 years, Greg ...
Transacting with China: managing trade payment risk: the final in a series of practical articles by Martin Jones to help de-mystify China for SMEs wanting to do business there.(CHINA SERIES)
May 01, 2009 ... New Zealand firms transacting in China should be paying more attention to their accounts receivable than ever before and be willing to collect bad debt without fear of ruining relationships or reputations of business associates. The growing message in China today is that debtors ...
Claiming what's rightfully yours: inadequate advice regarding the Personal Property Securities Register could be putting many small businesses at risk.(BIZ SHORTS)
May 01, 2009 ... An Auckland debt collection specialist believes many small businesses will go broke in the current economic downturn through ignorance of their rights. And in most cases, says Wal Britton, of Accounts Enforcement, the blame for that rests with their professional advisers. ...
Getting on Pitch: Fast Pitch winner Todd Wackrow is wasting no time getting his mobile marketing technology launched and he's grateful for the support of the ICEHOUSE. Patricia Moore has his story.(BIZ SHORTS)
May 01, 2009; ... Attracting investors is a challenge, whatever the business. But when you're a budding entrepreneur with just 60 seconds to sell something new and different, it sounds like reality television at its worst. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Todd Wackrow knows how it feels. As the ...
Reaching out: Reach Me is a unique multi-marketing business connecting products to people through the sampling platform. Patricia Moore talks to its creator.(BIZ SHORTS)(Angie Philp speaks about market research and strategy of her baby product company)(Company overview)
May 01, 2009; ... "Think like a woman and go for it!" This may not sound like the best researched business advice ever handed out, but Angie Philp knows what she's talking about--as a woman and as a business owner. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Angie is CEO of Reach Me, a web-based business ...
The perils of re-branding: Kirsten Ferguson points out the dangers involved in re-branding your business.(BIZ SHORTS)
May 01, 2009; ... Are you thinking about re-branding your business? If you are you should be aware that the financial implications of your decision are potentially not limited to the costs of changing your letterhead. You may actually be under-estimating and later under-realising, the value of your current ...
Where to with New Zealandness? Andy Allison explains how we can convince a global audience to buy into the New Zealand story and our products.(BIZ SHORTS)
May 01, 2009; ... On CNBC recently British millionaire yachtie Peter Harrison had this to say about his new $US24 million yacht: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "It was designed by a New Zealander called Bruce Farr," he said. "But he's in the US now and it has the very best of technology," he ...
The myth of the backyard visionary: Kiwi entrepreneurs and innovators often have great ideas and tremendous personal energy, but no idea how to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. As Fraser Scott writes, the Britten Motorcycle Company was a classic example.(BIZ SHORTS)
May 01, 2009 ... No phrase captures as much about New Zealand culture and aspirations as 'number eight wire'. These three words, entrenched in our world view as they are, speak of our isolated, resource-deprived place in the world. They communicate our inventiveness and resourcefulness. And, ...
Smart marketers: in business & loving it! Successful marketing in a flat economy is all about thinking smarter than your competition, as well as executing the marketing basics extremely well. Ruth Le Pla meets those walking the talk.(Cover story)
May 01, 2009; ... Small business owner/managers struggling with marketing in the current economic climate can rest assured they're not alone. When business expo organisers Bizzone recently asked 27,000 Kiwi business owners to name their biggest challenges, the answer came back loud and clear. ...
We business: the Bizzone Business Expos are going to refocus business owners, encourage them to stay focused on the important matters and stay positive, confident that they are proactively addressing the changing markets.(BUSINESS EXPO)
May 01, 2009 ... Yes, we live in interesting times, but often business owners forget that they are much more nimble than their large business counterparts--many of whom occupy pages of doom and gloom in the business media. With over 13,000 business owners expected nationwide in Auckland, Wellington and ...
Smart marketing will carry business through ... So will winning the smart marketing prize worth $100,000 at the Bizzone Business Expos!(business innovative marketing methods)
May 01, 2009 ... It is essential that companies, both large and small, learn to get 'smart' and market 'smart' given the challenging economic times. Smart marketing is a concept Sarah Trotman of Bizzone believes has yet to be fully exploited and understood by many businesses in New Zealand: on the back of ...
Visit the expo zones and profit: Bizzone's Business Expo is the largest event for business in New Zealand. Because of the sheer number of exhibits, some of the most popular stands have been grouped into zones to make it easy for those visiting to find information quickly.(bizzone BUSINESS EXPO)
May 01, 2009 ... SMART MARKETING ZONE The Smart Marketing Zone reflects this year's expo theme and was set up in response to the need from business owners to get smart with their marketing spend and strategy. Find out how to carry your business through the recession with smart and ...
The National Bank seminar series: Auckland, ASB showgrounds 27-29 May.
May 01, 2009 ... <Pre> Wednesday 27th May 2009 TIME TOPICSPEAKER ORGANISATION 9.30am Marketing on a shoe string Ann London StreetSMART - the 5 things you MUST Group Ltd know 10.00am You can still grow your Jon ...
Excellence underpins the Business Support Awards: exceptional people and organisations have entered the 2009 Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards making it more difficult than ever to choose a supreme winner.
May 01, 2009; ... In its fifth year, the Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards, are held annually to encourage a culture of excellence among organisations that support business. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sponsored by Vero, BDO Spicers and the National Business Review, and organised ...
Leaders on excellence.(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... "Our small and medium businesses play a critical part in our economy. They provide Kiwis with the essential goods and services they need. They help drive innovation across our economy. And they can become--with good leadership and support--our Large businesses of tomorrow. ...
Bizzone Business Expo exhibitors list.(Baycorp Holdings Ltd.)(DaimlerChrysler Nederland B.V.)(Information Management Services Corp.)(List)
May 01, 2009 ... <Pre> COMPANY SITE# Absolute Insurance 121 Academy Publishing 140 ACC 250a Accomplish 220 Accountability Net Ltd ...
Sharpening your brand: a recession is the perfect laboratory in which to polish your brand and make it really stand out. Kevin Kevany has advice from the brand marketing experts.(FEATURE)
May 01, 2009; ... We went to local branding experts to ask them what can be done in these tumultuous times by SME brand custodians to limit the damage, exploit (if that's possible) the opportunities the new dynamic presents and emerge relatively unscathed. Since it's branding we're talking about here, there ...
Driving your dollars further: as business times get tougher--one of the first areas to come under cost scrutiny is the company vehicle fleet. Glenn Baker looks at how companies are extracting more value from their vehicle leases during the recession.(FEATURE)
May 01, 2009; ... If ever there was a time for New Zealand's vehicle finance and leasing companies to strengthen their partnership bonds with clients--it is now. Today the challenge for these companies is to do everything in their power to help maintain the viability of their clients--and this is requiring ...
Lessons on business travel: the world may be in a recession, but business people still need to travel. How can business travel be streamlined in order to gain maximum business benefit whilst protecting the bottom line? This report by Vikki Bland.(FEATURE)
May 01, 2009; ... The business travel industry has been hurting along with the leisure travel industry as companies and individuals cut down on travel to save costs. However, not travelling to meet with customers or key business partners during a recession can be detrimental to business growth, which is why ...
Vikki's view the luxury of choice: telecom is about to launch its new WCDMA phone network. Vikki Bland ponders how this will impact the mobile landscape.(TECH BIZ)
May 01, 2009; ... Some of you may be aware that in June, Telecom will launch a new mobile phone network based on WCDMA technologies. These are similar technologies to those used for the mobile network owned and built by Vodafone in New Zealand, but, naturally, Telecom says its network will be better and ...
Digital compact camera with 24X zoom lens.(TECH BIZ)
May 01, 2009 ... The recently launched Pentax X70 digital compact camera features a high-magnification optical 24-times zoom lens with wide-angle to super-telephoto coverage, and sports a highly portable, compact, lightweight body. The lens offers a focal-length coverage between 26mm wide-angle ...
First-of-its-kind business media phone.(TECH BIZ)(Polycom Systems Ltd.)(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... Polycom's VVX 1500 is a business media phone that combines a personal video conferencing system with a fully featured voice over IP (VoIP) telephone. This first-of-its-kind device also comes with Polycom HD Voice and an open application programming interface and microbrowser for real-time ...
Engineered for business.(TECH BIZ)
May 01, 2009 ... Toshiba's latest Tecra business notebooks have been engineered to meet the demands of any business user. There're eight refreshes to the series--featuring more powerful processors, larger disk drives and premium add-ons such as Face Recognition and Business Card Readers. ...
New server for small business.(TECH BIZ)
May 01, 2009 ... Microsoft's Windows Server 2008 Foundation is a new server solution for small businesses with up to 15 users. It's an entry-level application platform that delivers basic server functionality including file and print sharing, and remote access. Plus it puts the security, manageability and ...
Business notebooks get refreshed.(TECH BIZ)
May 01, 2009 ... Toshiba has released its latest line-up of high powered business notebooks and it includes refreshes to the Satellite Pro series and Portege M800 series. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new eight-model range offers Intel dual-core processors, powerful graphics components, ...
The little electric car full of surprises: Robert Barry has an electrifying experience in an i-MIEV.(MOTOR BIZ)
May 01, 2009; ... I have been a little sceptical about the concept of the plug-in electric car such as the i-MIEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) which is based on the Mitsubishi i-Car. Will it be practical? Will it keep up with other traffic? Will it handle like a normal car? ...
Show me the money! Social networking sites come under investigation, and it seems they do have some benefits for business.(REV UP YOUR BUSINESS)
May 01, 2009; ... You can call me two faced. On one hand, my response to all this hype about social networking sites is simply "show me the money"! There is Facebook, Bebo, Linkedln, Stumble Upon, MySpace, Flickr, Friend Feed, Youtube, Digg, Slideshare--then you have blogs, podcasts, videos. I still ...
Asking the hard questions: getting to the heart of a problem in a business in order to make that business grow is all about asking the right questions. Glen Senior offers his seven best questions.(The Senior Biz Blog)(Interview)
May 01, 2009; ... In the good old days the small business support channel (bank manager, coach, business trainer, accountant, adviser, Business Association, Economic Development Agency, Chamber, Government department, local council etc) were focused on helping small business owners on growth, exporting, ...
How to give customers what they want: a missing whiteboard prompts Dr Ian Brooks to remind business owners of what customers are really looking for.(Customer Excellence)
May 01, 2009; ... I was speaking at a five star hotel in Auckland the other day. Before the meeting started I went to the concierge and told him I needed a whiteboard. I said I would not be speaking for two hours so there was no hurry and they could bring it at the afternoon tea break. ...
When small business is big business: if we knew how to define franchising, we might realise just how much it is worth, says Simon Lord.(Franchise File)
May 01, 2009; ... The submissions made to the recent review of franchise regulation by the Ministry of Economic Development made interesting reading. The statement from McDonald's managing director that complying with the latest amendments to the Franchising Code of Conduct in Australia had cost the company ...
Have you claimed your R&D tax credit? The year ending 31 March 2009 is your only chance to claim research and development tax credits. Amanda Watt looks at eligibility and expenditure issues surrounding this regime.(On Accounts)
May 01, 2009; ... The 2009 income tax year is the only year that you will be able to claim a tax credit for research and development expenditure. This tax credit is equal to 15 percent of your R&D expenditure costs. For all other years this expense has to be capitalised and no deduction is allowable. ...
Turning size to our advantage: New Zealand's size will help build a competitive advantage in export markets coming out of the tough times. Phil O'Reilly explains.(Export Focus)
May 01, 2009; ... Turning around a super tanker or lumbering ocean-going cruise ship takes time. It's a slow process no matter what levers are pushed. This is how Barack Obama describes his government and in a sense that is what the United States is dealing with, with its economy. But this ...
Mentor a guide for tourism business: business mentoring has helped transform tour guide Ryan Kelly into the owner of a thriving tourism business, Ray Schofield has more.(Business Mentors)
May 01, 2009; ... Ryan Kelly, owner of guiding company Southern Wilderness, is optimistic about the future of his business, despite the recent dip in the economy. In 2008, the company's first season, he experienced massive growth. With the help of a business mentor, Ryan is expecting Southern Wilderness to ...
Seek advice before taking action: obtaining advice on the rights and obligations of employers on employment matters is more important than ever in this difficult economy. Parvez Akbar explains.(Employment Matters)
May 01, 2009; ... In these challenging times, businesses are looking at ways of reducing and minimising costs, and trimming the expense fat. With many employers' minds preoccupied with this goal, there is great potential to forget or ignore the rights and obligations employers have. There are a ...
Taking on the sustainability challenge: get Sust Online is a new resource to help guide any business in drawing a line in the sand on its sustainability practices. Rachel Brown has more.(Sustainable Business)
May 01, 2009; ... Just as the impact of the recession began to affect more of us, Ideas Shop surveyed SMEs in order to gauge the interest of New Zealand business in sustainability. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "While SMEs regard survival as the most immediate challenge they face, ...
Don't take part in the recession: adversity may be here but, so too is opportunity. Brian H Meredith offers some steps you can take to uncover opportunity.(Marketing Maestro)
May 01, 2009 ... I am inspired by Sam Walton's remark (the founder of Wal-Mart) who commented: "I was asked what I thought about the recession. I thought about it and decided not to take part." As we all continue to navigate the recession, I have encountered a surprising number of ...
Getting the best from staff: Ashley Balls points out the dangers of pay-for-performance schemes and offers some pointers for increasing worker output.(Issues with Balls)
May 01, 2009; ... There is a school of thought that attempts to link output with incentive payments, the belief being that it is possible to incentivise workers to produce more through the introduction of pay-for-performance schemes. This has resulted in the development of OTE pay structures whereby basic ...
Doing business: New Zealand is a great place to do business. The enviable lifestyle and climate offer a wealth of recreational opportunities that complement a world-class range of business destinations and accommodation.(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... Cities are easy to get between and around, with excellent telecommunication services and a wide range of well-priced accommodation options and business services. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Help in doing business is also easily available. Each of the destinations in this ...
Business accommodation: corporate and professional travellers can choose from a variety of business accommodation ranging from larger central city hotels with full conference and recreation facilities, to self-contained and fully serviced motels and apartments, smaller boutique hotels, lodges and bed & breakfast establishments providing more personalised guest care.(Conference news)
May 01, 2009 ... At the boutique end of the market are a number of exclusive lodges and stylish small hotels in hideaway locations which provide personalised service and cater for individuals or small groups. Recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, golf, skiing, scenic or heli-tours and vineyard ...
Business assistance.(New Zealand, Ministry of Economic Development invests into small business)(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... NEW ZEALAND TRADE & ENTERPRISE Under the Ministry of Economic Development, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise works as a partner to the private sector to foster investment and new business opportunities throughout New Zealand. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise helps locate ...
Introducing Jasons.com.(online travel services)(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... MAKE INSTANT ONLINE BOOKINGS You can book online at Jasons.com for instant confirmation at hundreds of our New Zealand properties. Our booking system is secure, and you pay no booking fee. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jasons bookings are commission-free to the ...
Travel times.(travel times map)(Brief article)
May 01, 2009 ... TRAVEL TIME GUIDE The times, in hours and minutes, represent the driving time for a driver who travels at approximately 100 km/h on open stretches of road. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] <Pre> Whangarei Wellington Wanganui Tauranga Taupo Rotorua Plamerston ...
Auckland: big, bold and brash by New Zealand standards, Auckland's central business district is actually easy to get around. If your business is in the central precinct, you can probably leave your car at the hotel and walk to most meetings and appointments.(City overview)
May 01, 2009 ... Queen Street, still the heart of the CBD, runs from the Britomart Transport Centre right through Karangahape Road, where it turns into Upper Queen Street. Major hotels tend to be located near Queen Street, particularly on Albert and Hobson Streets (which run parallel). These days, the most ...
Cambridge: Cambridge is located on State Highway 1 beside the Waikato River. The main town lies on the northern side and two bridges cross to the southern suburb of Leamington.
May 01, 2009 ... BUSINESS OVERVIEW Cambridge is regarded as the heart of the New Zealand thoroughbred racing industry, attracting international buyers plus trainers, riders and breeders involved in racing, trotting, polo, hunting and eventing. Dairy farming and factories processing dairy ...
Gisborne: dubbed the 'city of bridges' Gisborne sits on the Waimata and Taruheru rivers. The main street is Gladstone Road, while the main beaches can be found south and north of the township.
May 01, 2009 ... BUSINESS OVERVIEW A rural, horticultural and viticultural service centre, Gisborne has lately emerged as a progressive town with a growing tourism sector. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Gisborne Chamber of Commerce, phone 06 863 0384. AIRPORT AND ...
Hamilton: the Waikato River - New Zealand's longest - runs parallel to the main street, Victoria Street. SKYCITY Hamilton is located in the heart of the city opposite garden place, surrounded by hotels, shopping and dining.(Company overview)
May 01, 2009 ... BUSINESS OVERVIEW Hamilton is the major service centre and the heart of the Waikato, one of the richest agricultural areas in the world. The region is New Zealand's highest exporter. Hamilton is a centre for biotech research, dairy and thoroughbred industries. It is a key ...
Havelock North: situated in the heart of Hawke's Bay wine country, Havelock North village nestles on the heretaunga plains at the foot of Te Mata Peak.
May 01, 2009 ... BUSINESS OVERVIEW Havelock North is a small service town to the outlying rural area. Leading primary industries in the region include agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and manufacturing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce, 205 ...