If you are embarking on your entrepreneurial journey in 2024, welcome – nau mai harae mai. It’s not as scary as you think, but it’s essential to arm yourself with practical strategies to thrive in the ever-evolving New Zealand market. With the help of our expert Senior Advisors Johnny and Vern, we’ve put together some easy-to-follow tips to help you navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and drive your business forward:
Ride the Digital Wave: Bill Gates said “If your business is not on the Internet, then your business will be out of business.” Get ahead by embracing digital tools and platforms that make business easier. From social media marketing to online collaboration tools, digital solutions can streamline your operations and boost your brand’s visibility in the digital sphere.
“Doing a Google search for the “best (software you want)” can be a great way to shortlist the top software options that you should be using. From here, research on functionality and reviews should put you in a great position to choose or test software.” Says Senior Business Advisor and astute coach – Vern Holden.
Going Green: Sustainability is no longer a trend—it’s a must-have for modern businesses. Look for ways to reduce waste, minimize your environmental impact, and champion eco-friendly practices. Not only will this appeal to eco-conscious customers, but it will also position your brand as a responsible corporate citizen.
Stay Ahead: Keep your finger on the pulse of market trends and be ready to pivot when necessary. By staying agile and adaptable, you can seize new opportunities and outmanoeuvre the competition. Remember, change is inevitable, but your ability to adapt is what sets you apart.
Vern says, ” Depending on your industry it can be wise to look to overseas markets, like Australia, the UK, and the USA. New Zealand tends to be a year behind Australia which in turn can be a year behind the UK and USA, so learning the trends here can give you very good insight into the future of the New Zealand market. “
Customer Service: Put your customers at the heart of everything you do. Deliver exceptional experiences at every touchpoint, from browsing your website to post-purchase support. By going above and beyond for your customers, you’ll earn their loyalty and turn them into brand advocates plus it doubles as free publicity. “Word of mouth is probably the best and cheapest form of advertising.” – Richard Branson
Team Up for Triumph: Collaboration is key to success in today’s interconnected world. Partner with like-minded businesses, influencers, and organizations to amplify your reach and impact. Together, you can achieve more and create win-win opportunities for growth.
“Together everyone achieve more, still stands true. From collaborating in business or events that share overheads and responsibilities you could increase and share customers. Talking to someone who has been there and done that within your industry, to inviting influencers to use your products or services. Connections in business can make life a lot easier,“ says Senior Business Advisor Johnny Aranga.
Keep the Faith, Keep Pushing: Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster ride, but perseverance is your secret weapon. Stay resilient in the face of challenges, learn from your setbacks, and keep moving forward with unwavering determination. With grit and determination, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams.
A master at facilitating, and achieving successful results with his clients, Senior Business Advisor – Johnny, emphasises that “It’s a journey being in business with many things to learn, it’s not easy and if it were it would mean everyone would be doing it. If needed, take it one step or problem at a time, breakdown the big issues into bite size doable steps. There are solutions to be found and once they are put in place, remember to take note of how far you have come and how much you have learnt.”
The 2024 year is all about embracing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. So go ahead, unleash your entrepreneurial spirit, and watch your business soar to new heights in the year ahead!
