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Disruption and uncertainty always create innovation and opportunity
Recession. Depression. Economic meltdown.
All such depressing words – but what if you are prepared to look past it to see Covid as an opportunity?
Humans are like the tide, with bad news the water recedes, faster and faster, we find out who is swimming naked, then the tide comes back in and we all lie back on our boogie boards, sip our margaritas and wait for the next wave to take us in.
Our media love the tide going out, they scream and shout, magnifying our fear levels, appearing like a dorsal fin beside us. Sadly, our media fail to question our leaders properly (what does the word eradication mean to you?) nor search out the truth, and forgo critical thinking to feed our negative emotions.
Having been submerged in a crisis situation, we may become oblivious to what we just went through. Events like the GFC, Y2K, SARS (NZ death toll 19) whilst remembered, the lessons may be forgotten.
Yet dissatisfaction, pressure and disruption are at the ethos of success and growth on all levels, both professional and personal. You faced adversity in life, survived it and more than likely grew because of it.
The real issue with Covid is how you choose to react.
Many business owners, myself included, will have turned and examined their business, their costs structures, their clients, suppliers, bankers, staff – studying all aspects of their business and identified ways to adapt and improve.
Many others have discovered that they or staff can work from home, balancing the pleasures of family with work and discovering new ways of achieving success. Others will look forward to returning to work and appreciate those social connections in a new world.
Many parents will have connected with their children or partner on a new level, developing new ways of living as a family, walking as a family, and enjoying the increased exposure to nature.
Others will have to find new careers or adventures to fill in time, develop new skills. Some will have experienced negative events as well, and perhaps Covid has exposed issues that we need to work on.
You may not control the environment, but with any situation, you have complete power of how you react.
A 90-hectare haven just a stone’s throw from the office
For corporate days, charity fundraisers, family celebrations and sports team prizegivings, North Shore Golf Club offers an exceptional venue in stunning surroundings.
Seated dining for up to 200 in the Club Room Impressive views Wide range of catering options Well-stocked and staffed bar Professional DJ available Live bands – contemporary or “Rat Pack” Quality in-house AV Plentiful, hassle-free, off-road car parking
Our events team are at your service! Tell us your wish list and let us co-ordinate your perfect event.
Michael McCook is the managing director of AccountabilityNet
www.accountabilitynet.co.nz
An essential service at every COVID-19 Alert Level
As with all businesses, the hotel has been severely impacted. However, it has been a privilege to help those affected who otherwise had nowhere to stay – overseas travellers who could not get home, local homeowners in the middle of renovations or selling/purchasing a house, and, of course, essential workers. We also took care of some Airbnb guests who were displaced on the day that lockdown came into effect.
The business needed to adjust to the new conditions. We responded to the daily updates from the Ministry of Health and Hospitality NZ regarding cleaning and hygiene protocols, and all the required PPE was purchased for our staff to help keep them and our guests safe and well.
Some of our staff had accommodation issues, so they stayed with us too. And, we helped our migrant workers with food and other support, when needed.
During Alert Level 4, our guests became like family. We would phone them every morning with a cheery message, to see what they needed and assist with deliveries. Our accommodation is apartment-style with their own kitchen and laundry which meant staff did not need to enter the rooms.
To say thank you to other essential workers, Ramada NZ ran a Facebook competition with 30 prizes of two nights at any Ramada hotel in New Zealand. There was also some happy news during the lockdown with a baby born at one of our Queenstown hotels!
Moving forward in Alert Level 2 and beyond, the hotel now has all the latest cleaning protocols in place and contract tracing on arrival. We look forward to welcoming our guests both in the hotel and conference room. Our high level of customer service continues, and we are moving ahead positively towards the rebuilding of New Zealand.
Contact: Jacqui Cheal, General Manager Ph: (09) 974 4568 E: albany.gm@ramada.nz
ramadaalbany.co.nz
AMPM PROVIDE COMPLETE SOLUTIONS FOR BETTER BUSINESS MARKETING
From a simple website to a complex custom integration, we’ve got you covered. AMPM provides you with the tools to connect with your audience and get results.
Imaginative promotional items, the latest apparel and attention grabbing merchandise will boost your brand to stand out in today’s marketplace.
Sometimes in business it can feel like you need to do everything on your own. Wouldn’t it be great if someone offered a helping hand? We offer products and services that are tailored for any business.
Our Business Hubs work where you work. So, if you need us, we can come to you and talk things over in person, when it’s convenient for you. You will get a dedicated account manager with your service.
Spark NZ’s North Shore Business Hub is the smart choice. We know what business is like where you live, because we live there too.
Every business is different. Our job is to find out what will work best for you and put together a business package that meets your budget.
We not only offer telco solutions (voice, internet & mobiles) but also simple and complex IT solutions for your business so that you can do more with technology.
More details on what’s on offer – can be found here: www.spark.co.nz/business/
NEXT ISSUE
In the September issue of FYI, we’ll report back on what you told us in BNH’s annual member survey.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. Your concerns, opinions and ideas help BNH to better understand what needs changing or improving in our Business Improvement District – so that you can do better business and prosper in these unprecedented times of uncertainty.
Is your business marking an important milestone? Have you made a commitment to sustainability? Are you celebrating a new venture or partnership in the wake of COVID-19?
Contact the editor at lizzie@writesphere.co.nz with your news.
Would you like to promote your products and services to other businesses in North Harbour (and beyond)? Have a chat with Peter Green about advertising opportunities. Phone (09) 968 2222 or e-mail comms@businessnh.org.nz.
Contact us to find out how we can help you find your business edge. Zac Morgan, Business Hub Manager Spark Business Hub North Shore Ph: 0800 482 746 E: zac.morgan@spark.co.nz Level 3, 15 Huron Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Accelerating success. Reach more people - better results faster.
