Our thoughts and aroha go out to the people who have had their lives and livelihoods so deeply affected by the recent storm and cyclone.
While Raglan has certainly felt the effects – and the impact from the weather has been another blow to a recovering economy – I think we can all recognise that we are lucky. We have alternate routes to travel; we suffered no loss of life; and our homes and businesses are largely intact.
“Resilience” is a hot topic right now and seems to be frequently overused. In a nutshell, it is about giving us tools to adapt to challenges and stressors we face in life. Lately its has felt like the challenges keep on coming, and we don’t have time to even think about tools or levers we could be using to overcome the challenges; we just have to keep going.
The Raglan Business Chamber has been discussing how best we can support our members in light of the recent events and the inevitable, on-going challenges we all face in a fast-changing and competitive market. To start we would like to offer three of our current members a special subsidised programme with the Business Mentors network to help you find some space to take a pro-active approach to your business.
Business Mentors New Zealand matches experienced business professionals (mentors) with small business owners. Our Board Member Steve Murray is a registered business mentor and he is offering a three month, RBC subsidised programme for local RBC members. Steve can sit with you to understand your priorities and needs, or identify specific challenges you face. He will then work with you to get some actionable steps to navigate challenges and work towards your future. Steve can also act as a sounding board for fresh ideas and a catalyst for changes you would like to see in your business.
Whether you are motivated to grow your business, build resilience, or look at particular issues Steve can help. If you are willing to listen and receive constructive feedback in an open and honest relationship this programme could be for you.
The board recognises that some of us will feel we don’t have time to add another thing to our plate, when some of us feel we are already in the weeds, but Steve notes this is a good time to try to get some clarity and support to address the most important issues that are taking our time and energy. Steve says “The time spent on direct contact and any subsequent action is driven by the client, and we move at your pace. Sometimes just having an independent sounding board can be enough to help us gain some clarity”.
If you feel you would like some help to gain some clarity about navigating the next steps for your business, or just have a sounding board to give you strong business advice with an independent and empathetic perspective please register your interest with info@raglanchamber.co.nz. Once we receive your email we will be in touch with the outline of the programme, and next steps.
**Please note spaces are limited initially but if there is demand we will be running further programmes.
