Reflect, Refocus, and Keep Shipping – The Better SMB Mid-Year Review
In this episode, David and Rob take stock of The Better SMB's podcast's progress halfway through the year. It’s an honest look at what’s gone well, what’s been challenging, and where they’re heading next in their mission to become the go-to voice for small and medium business owners in New Zealand. They share real numbers, like a 50% growth in Spotify followers and 65% increase in episode plays, and reflect on what’s driving that momentum: consistent content, strong guest insights, and a shared goal of making business success more accessible for SMBs. But this episode isn’t just about them, it’s packed with relatable lessons for business owners too. Key insights for SMB owners: Planning matters: Set a clear target, track your progress, and adjust regularly—don’t let your business plan gather dust. Just ship it: Don’t wait for perfect. Consistency and iteration beat perfection every time. Know your data: Look at the numbers to spot trends, make decisions, and push performance forward. Adapt as you grow: What worked at the start might not be enough now—refine your tools and systems to stay on track. Think long term: Whether it's business planning or engaging with politics, don’t just chase short-term wins, build for the future. Highlights: “Don’t try to polish it. Ship it.” — The power of consistent action over perfection. Their New Zealand Manufacturer article made the front page—a big milestone. A growing pipeline of high-impact guests and a call for more stories from the SME world. This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at building something from scratch, and why the same principles apply to any small or medium business looking to grow. Whether you're reviewing your own business plan or thinking about how to better measure performance, there's something in here for you. Tune in. Reflect. And keep moving forward with us. --------------------- Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn Rob Bull David Altena Learn more about NZ Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today
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Behind the article: Own it, why your business can’t outperform your leadership
In this episode, David and Rob break down the themes from their latest NZ Manufacturer column, Own It: Leadership is a personal responsibility, not a title.This candid and practical conversation explores how business performance is inextricably linked to leadership quality and why many SMB owners unknowingly hold their teams back. They dive deep into the cultural, structural and behavioural shifts needed to lead high-performing, sustainable teams and challenge listeners to take a long look in the mirror. Highlights: “You can’t scale a business by working harder; you scale it by leading better.” Why reactive leadership creates chaos and burnout and how intentional leadership builds resilient, thriving teams. The power of standardising work, designing your “perfect week,” to shift from hustle to high performance How to create psychological safety and team ownership, so leaders stop playing hero and start creating more leaders Real-world lessons from Toyota’s team structure and problem-solving culture and how NZ manufacturers can adapt the same principles This episode is a must-listen for any business owner or leader ready to move from burnout to strategic impact. The bad news? Your business is a reflection of you. The good news? You have the power to change it. 🎧 Tune in, share with your team, and take the first step toward sustainable leadership. Thank you for listening to The Better SMB. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review. --------------------- Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn Rob Bull David Altena Learn more about New Zealand Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today
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The Deliberate Path to High Performance in Manufacturing: Lessons from AGP Managing Director Dave Bunting
David and Rob are joined by Dave Bunting, Managing Director of Architectural Glass Products in Cambridge. They dive deep into operational excellence and manufacturing leadership, exploring Dave’s key insights and perspectives on planning for and expecting excellence. Listen to the discussion centred on the power of a continuous improvement mindset, the importance of building a high-performing culture and how New Zealand manufacturers can transform their approach to leadership and high performance. Highlights: "Anyone can buy the equipment. It's culture and operational excellence that set you apart." - Dave Bunting on creating competitive advantage in manufacturing "Leadership is about taking teams to places they didn't think they could go before. It's not always a nice journey, but it's about channelling problem-solving skills in the right way." "What gets measured gets worked on. Being deliberate with discipline is key - you can't just do it for a week and then forget about it for six weeks." Key Takeaways: AGP's approach to operational excellence includes a flat organizational structure, daily 8:30 meetings, and a focus on data-driven improvements The importance of hiring for cultural fit and training employees in continuous improvement Insights into leadership development and the need to make manufacturing a more attractive career path Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review. --------------------- Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn Rob Bull David Altena Learn more about NZ Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today
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Working at human speed: Reducing stress and burnout for sustainable success
In this episode, we explore the hidden dangers of working at an unsustainable pace and why "being busy" is not the same as being productive. Our guest, executive coach Rachel King, shares powerful insights on the causes of burnout, why New Zealanders are particularly affected, and how leaders can shift towards sustainable, thriving work environments. Highlights: How stress impacts health, engagement, and life satisfaction. Why clearing more emails doesn't mean you're achieving more. The four pillars of shifting from burnout to thriving: Awareness, Filter, Understand Yourself, and Manage Energy. Practical strategies to manage physical, mental, and emotional energy at work. Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Please support us by liking, subscribing and leaving a review. --------------------- Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn Rob Bull David Altena Learn more about New Zealand Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today
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Own It or Lose It: Why SMBs Can’t Ignore Intellectual Property
We’re diving deep into intellectual property (IP) protection, exploring key insights and perspectives from Ben Cain, Partner at James & Wells and former marketing executive turned IP specialist. We discuss how small businesses can safeguard their innovations, build brand value, and create competitive barriers through strategic IP management. We cover: Why early-stage IP strategy is mission-critical for future valuation and investor confidence. Budgeting for trademarks, designs, and patents - what real-world costs look like and how to prioritise them. Sector-specific IP pitfalls and opportunities in FMCG, food & beverage, professional services, and tech. Highlights include: “If you delay securing IP protection, it becomes too easy for somebody to copy you.” - Ben on the high price of procrastination “Investors always look for IP rights as evidence of a protected, valuable business” - why a clean IP register boosts your multiple “Cast your mind forward. Where do you want to be in three years, then work back to plan your IP strategy.” - Ben’s blueprint for proactive founders Key Takeaways: Grasp the differences between trademarks, registered designs and patents, and when each matters. It’s not as expensive as you may think, NZ $200 to NZ $5,000 may cover a lot of your initial needs; map these into your growth budget early. Strong IP positions raise market value, deter copycats, and shorten investor due diligence cycles. Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Don't forget to like, subscribe, leave us a review and share this with a friend --------------------- Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn Rob Bull David Altena Learn more about Plexus Consulting and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today
Join hosts David Altena and Rob Bull as they delve into the subject of small and medium- business productivity in New Zealand. With a focus on driving operational excellence and business improvement, The Better SMB Podcast is your go-to resource for strategies, insights, and success stories from the front lines of the SMB sector. Despite New Zealand’s historical challenges with productivity compared to our OECD peers, David and Rob are on a mission to turn the tide. Tune in to discover actionabletips, expert interviews, and innovative ideas that will help your business thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, The Better SMB Podcast will equip you with the tools you need to enhance productivity and achieve your business goals.Connect with us on LinkedIn: @DavidAltena and @RobBull
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