Episodes
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's how tech is poised to become a major force in the New Zealand business scene.
Tourism was a lifeblood in our economy for a long time. But with borders now closed for who knows how long, there are questions about if another major industry will step up to the plate.
My next guest argues yes, there’s already one waiting in the wings: tech.
Because while New Zealand may not think of themselves as a nation of coders, we’re already pretty close.
For the latest podcast I talked to Ryan Jennings, executive director of Buy New Zealand Made.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to the pivot pod, where together we’ll figure out where to next for small business. Today it's how to tighten up your business to survive border closures.
Even if we’re all agreed keeping the borders closed is important for keeping us safe and healthy, there is an undeniable cost that comes with that.
New Zealand is a country that until now relied heavily on tourism and exports, both of which are impacted by border restrictions not just here but throughout the world.
So how can we work with what needs to happen, while reducing some of those downsides, and lining ourselves up for the recovery?
For the latest episode I was joined by Andrew Jamieson, from PWC.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's how to keep talking to your customers when every dollar is tight.
Many of the guests we’ve had so far have warned against cutting your marketing budget.
I can see their reasoning – in times of change, you need to keep talking to your customers about what you’re doing, and how they can buy from you.
But also every dollar has to be justified right now, and you definitely don’t want to be throwing good money after bad.
So to help us figure out the best marketing methods for you, I talked to Bruce Gourley from Stanley St
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's identifying the ways your business can change to get through the "new normal".
We all know how businesses have struggled with the impacts of Covid-19 – the borders are still closed, international tourism stalled, and many of us are still wary of the close contact that retail or events can bring.
But what about the opportunities?
There is huge disruption happening right now, and rather than waiting for that to be over, and hoping for the old normal to come back, there are those who say it’s time to dive in and find the new areas that are opening up for businesses.
Vaughn Davis has put out a book filled with inspiring stories from people who’ve done just that.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's how you can use a link to health to boost your business.
While money is tight for many at the moment, some businesses have actually seen sales go up after Covid-19.
One of those is AgriSea, a New Zealand company that makes natural fertilisers from seaweed, whose sales have boomed since lockdown.
In the June 2020 quarter alone, they doubled the export revenue they’d had for the previous year.
As a country full of businesses making quality, natural products, there are lots of lessons here for the rest of us.
For the latest podcast I talked to Clare Bradley from AgriSea and Susan Kilsby, agriculture economist from ANZ.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's the best ways to start reaching customers online.
One piece of advice that’s dished out over and over again is that businesses should try to get around Covid-19 restrictions by embracing the digital, online world.
Now to be clear, I totally agree with this; but at the same time it’s not that simple.
It can be intimidating for those who haven’t done it before. Many are worried about getting it wrong, or spending lots of money at a time when every dollar counts.
So to help us figure this out, the latest podcast is with Blake Ramage, Creative Director at The Artistry Online.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's how even in "unprecedented times" we can learn from survivors of past crises.
We’re hearing a lot about how it’s unprecedented times right now.
And while it’s certainly true that a global pandemic, and a virus that keeps us in our homes, is highly unusual, a crisis for the business sector itself isn’t that unusual.
There are always lesson to be learned from what’s happened before, who succeeded through that, and how we can use that experience to help today.
For the latest Pivot Pod I talked to Laybuy co-founder Gary Rohloff.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's a business coach on why you shouldn't get lost in the weeds.
The world of business is often a tightrope, where you’re constantly looking for what will help your business keep its balance, while avoiding things that will knock you off course.
And while the rope is looking a little frayed lately, it is still true that there are parts of the economy doing well that you can lean into, and parts that you’ll want to steer clear of.
To help us figure out which is which today we're joined by Phil Holland, from Love Your Business, who has been coaching small businesses through exactly this dilemma.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's a tourism business that says the Covid-19 changes made their business better.
Tourism has had one of the roughest rides through Covid-19.
Every time it looks like they might catch a break, we end up going backwards again – with even the hopes for a bubble with Australia looking unlikely for now.
But one tourism company has responded creatively. Elements World once fully relied on tourists, first with surf tours, then expanding into campervan rentals.
Now they've tried out the courier business, and have opened up an automotive servicing workshop.
On The Pivot Pod, founder Felipe Rebolledo said he now wouldn't go back to the way the business was before.
If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's how ethics can go hand in hand with a profitable business.
When push comes to shove, ethical business practices are often seen as a nice to have.
It may be nice to do your bit for the world, but at the end of the day, the business has to survive.
But who says that ethical practices actually get in the way of doing the best business?
One New Zealand company says it doesn’t, and that even in the current tough times, their values are what’s actually helping them adapt.
One The Pivot Pod I talked to Chloe and Florence van Dyke from Chia Sisters.
We discussed how their business changed over lockdown, how the living wage and solar panels actually helped their business, and what they're hoping to try next.
If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's upskilling staff for the necessary business changes.
Any business is only as good as the people within it.
So as many businesses look to adapt to the current situation, the people who work there will also need to shift, learning new skills and taking on new responsibilities.
It all sounds good and ambitious, but can be quite difficult. It's stressful for both staff and employers if it’s not done well.
So how can you make sure you’re doing it in a way that helps everyone get through the growing pains?
On the latest episode of The Pivot Pod I talked to CompeteNZ CEO Fiona Kingsford.
We discussed what types of skills are important at the moment, how to support staff when taking on new skills, and how businesses can start upskilling staff without wasting too much time or money.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's the tactics to get your invoice to the front of the queue.
It’s one thing finding work in the current environment, but then the next hurdle is getting paid.
It’s a constant pain point for small business that they can be seen as a lower priority. Often they're sent to the back of the queue when it comes time to paying invoices.
As money gets tight it’s more important than ever to get paid on time. So what can you do about it?
I talked to Xero New Zealand and Pacific Islands managing director Craig Hudson for The Pivot Pod.
We discussed how fast is reasonable to expect to get paid, how you can have a constructive conversation with late payers, and how to decide when it's time to cut the working relationship.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's how one company changed its business so successfully, they're taking on more staff.
Among the businesses knocked for six by Covid-19 is anything involving live events, or touring.
Crowds? Travelling? Those are literally the worst things during a viral pandemic.
With no idea what the timeline could be for normal returning around the world, these businesses are getting creative, with some already knee-deep in new ventures.
Fiasco is one of them. Once producing the equipment for music tours, co-owner Joe Bradford watched in horror as major events, and the deals that went with them, shut down earlier this year.
His response was to pull the team together and brainstorm what they could make using their most reliable production lines in case of ongoing border disruptions.
At one point they even considered making coffins, before moving to work from home desks, and perspex shields for stores.
But deciding what to change to was only the beginning of their challenges - then they had to make the new products successful.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's the new priorities from customers after the changes of Covid-19.
Many of us have had more time to think during lockdown, sparking some realisations.
You don’t have to look far to see people re-evaluating their priorities, talking about a new focus on what’s truly important to them, and ditching anything that doesn’t serve these new priorities.
What this means is a new landscape for business in what customers want from them, both in the products they sell, and the way they work.
Dentsu has produced some interesting research on exactly this, so Rachel Anderson-Cormack joined me on The Pivot Pod to talk about it.
We discussed the changes in what people want to buy, the values they now want to see from businesses, and why small business is particularly well-placed to take advantage of these changes.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's what to keep and what to drop as you streamline your business post-Covid.
The rate of change right now is, frankly, scary.
But there’s a type of freedom that comes with moments like this as well.
When you’re forced to try new things and adapt, you also bring in the possibility of striking gold in a way you never expected.
So how do you hone your efforts and embrace change in the right ways, so that your efforts are most likely to bear fruit?
For the latest episode of The Pivot Pod I talked to business coach Zac de Silva from Business Changing.
We discussed the biggest dangers to business in the current environment, how to keep up with the rapid pace of change, and how to decide what to keep and what to ditch from your business.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's the opportunities and pitfalls of social media.
Embracing the online world has been a lifeline for many in our new socially distanced reality.
In our personal lives it lets us stay in touch with loved ones, and in our business lives it lets us talk to customers, and continue delivering products and services.
But if you’ve been offline until now, it’s a big ask to suddenly move your entire business online.
An easier compromise is the world of social media, which lets you get started quickly without the expertise and expense of building a website.
That’s not to say that anyone can do it though, as the world of social media has many pitfalls balancing out the opportunities.
For the latest episode of The Pivot Pod I talked to the Herald’s social media producer Mitch Powell.
We discussed how to get started from scratch, which social media platforms are useful for different situations, and what not to do.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's Mark O’Brien on how Aluro Healthcare moved fast to change everything.
It’s one thing to talk about the need to adapt, and another thing entirely to actually do it.
To take your existing skills and repurpose them for a new industry is a brilliant idea, but not an easy one.
However, that's exactly what the team at Aluro Healthcare did. Traditionally a company that supplied equipment to dentists, they started sourcing and supplying personal protective equipment, or PPE, for dentists.
They've also stayed central in their customers lives by becoming the place to find reliable information about what dentists can do at the various levels of lockdown.
On the latest Pivot Pod managing director Mark O’Brien talked about how they made the change, the difficulties along the way, and advice to other businesses attempting a big change.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode. Today it's entrepreneur Josh Comrie on the different methods for switching up your existing business.
It’s no secret that many businesses are feeling the pinch after lockdown, and some have already announced they’ll be closing their doors.
But what’s more surprising is that some are doing just the opposite, and looking at a future that’s bright.
Entrepreneur and investor Josh Comrie sponsored a survey that found 24 per cent of businesses are expecting to increase their revenue post-Covid 19.
They’re acting early, and looking for opportunities in this new normal.
On the latest Pivot Pod I talked to Josh Comrie about the opportunities some are seeing, how to assess your own business for potential new ideas, and the importance of finding community to test those ideas.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we'll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode.
The Covid-19 crisis came out of nowhere, and has changed everything about how we live and do business.
But this sort of situation isn’t entirely unprecedented – indeed part of New Zealand has gone through something with key similarities.
When the Christchurch earthquakes struck in 2011, the area faced two tragedies; one to deal with the dead and injured, the other to figure out how to rebuild their lives and livelihoods, in a dramatically changed city.
So what did they learn then about adapting in the face of difficulty?
On the latest Pivot Pod I spoke to Leeann Watson, chief executive of Canterbury employers chamber of commerce.
We discussed the similarities and differences between the quake and Covid-19 impacts, strategies that helped business get through the quakes, and why hoping that life will go back to normal is doomed to fail.
If you have a question about this podcast, or question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to The Pivot Pod, where we’ll figure out together what's next for small business. Hosted by Frances Cook, with a new expert on each episode.
We all know that lockdown was tough, for some more than others, and it’s far from over yet.
Travel businesses are decimated, and hospitality faces a rocky road.
But it’s not all bad. Many businesses have successfully switched to delivering their products, while anything to do with health is soaring.
What many are learning is what we’ve been doing until now is not what we need to keep doing, and many businesses can lean into the parts of our economy that are doing well.
On the latest Pivot Pod I talked to the Herald’s business editor at large Liam Dann.
We discussed which parts of the economy are looking good and bad, how businesses can be tilted towards the better parts, and what type of help can be accessed to make these changes.
If you have a question about this podcast, or a question you'd like answered in the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/FrancesCookJournalist/ Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/francescooknz/ and Twitter here https://twitter.com/FrancesCookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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