It seems to be quite a challenge that lies ahead. The job summit idea raises some interesting consideration about what what can be done to assist the businesses that make up the economy to survive and retain jobs.

Here is a few thoughts about how I would approach it structurally. Firstly, I would define the various levels of the economic environment that we need to assist. After all if we implement only large scale macro projects we may miss opportunities for smaller initiatives. If we can create a break down of levels we can then come up with ideas that are appropriate for each level and therefore have more chance of being successful. For example, suppose level 1 is an individual business defined by size, level 2 is all x sized businesses in a particular geography, level 3 is all x sized businesses in particular geography and industry and so on…

We could also create a support structure that can be called upon if required which is appropriate to each level. As every business is different, no one way would solve everyones problem, therefore we need a flexible supporting structure. It could look something like this…

Is your business struggling in the current environment? Select one or more of the following as critical to your business survival in the next 6 months…

1. Business Expertise/Coaching
2. Tax Relief
3. Access to Capital
4. Access to work

So if required a business would apply to receive support in one or more of the above. The appropriate agency task force would then approach the business to address what support initiative they can tailor to the business. This system could work as a tailored support system which is applicable regardless of industry or size.

In terms of access to work, imagine if we could implement a temporary program for businesses that was the business equivalent of the dole. A business in serious trouble could then apply to join the incubator program, which supplied publicly funded projects appropriate for the business at a level which meant that business could operate accordingly to break even for the period it remained in incubation. The challenge would be to approve access to businesses that upon consideration would prove to be profitable under normal market conditions and therefore be justified in terms of support.

If you have other ideas or comments on the above, it would be great to hear what you have to say…

What does it take to start from scratch and still be operating in five years time.

I love listening to the latest business experts and promotions. It seems the ultimate answer to succeeding in New Zealand through business changes every year. Without doubt the latest catchphrase used by government and business authorities is “innovation”. Be innovative. Do things differently, try new ways to improve what you do.

We are a nation of doers; we get out there and do things. Sitting around thinking about what we should be doing and how we should be doing it is slightly foreign. This is represented in relatively low levels of investment in research and development in New Zealand which are presumably the cornerstones of innovation.

There has to be a balance doesn’t there. Being innovative becomes powerful when action is taken. Not once but consistently. It is focused action that achieves results. And when action is taken on a great idea it can turn into a profitable business.

Too often in New Zealand we take action without consideration of what we intend to create. You can decide the success story of your business before it happens. Ask yourself this…Does your business know who it is? Sounds like a funny thing to ask but the most successful businesses have an identity to such a point that they almost take on human characteristics. This is an important concept. Not only for the consumer but for the people who work in the business. I refuse to use the word brand here because that implies some intangible and indefinable description of what a business is about. I mean that a business, if it is to be operating in five years time, needs to have an identity distinct from its creator. It is this identity that will capture your central idea and give everyone something to share in.

So a successful business has at its foundation a great idea, a central reason for being that drives it through the difficult times and the challenges of the New Zealand market. If the business relies upon the strength of one individual it risks failure. An individual must promote the idea to other champions that can share the load.

Resources and support gravitate to ideas of merit. If you are passionate about an idea or project others will over time come to share that passion. It helps to do this before you become tired and beaten down by the market. You need to capture the attention of others before the spark of excitement begins to damper during the storm.

Letting go and getting others involved as soon as possible is one of the key milestones of a successful business idea. If your idea is going to be realized and around in five years time then it is going to need a group of people to make it happen. These people are going to appear in many forms, some will be consumers, others accountants, marketers, lawyers, friends, and employees.

A successful business person has understood and managed the concept of risk. When we hear it out loud most people take a step back mentally and go “hang on that’s something I shouldn’t be dealing with.” If you talk to anyone that’s made money ask them to recount the instances and decisions that got them to where they are today and most will describe that they assumed risk to get ahead. If risk is holding you and your business idea back then deal with it now before it becomes too late.

I never intended to give you a sure fire way to take an idea from concept to success in five years. Neither have I tried to cover all areas of this topic. However, I do want to make sure that you leave with one consideration and that’s if you have an idea and you are committed to doing something about it then see it as clear as you can and make it real not once but every day. And I promise you, if you can do that each day will be a step ahead of the last.

Gather the best people and get them involved. You need to get answers from qualified people. Share and make your goal a win for many. If you vision is great then there will be plenty of reward to go round. Make your vision great, if it doesn’t inspire you then it’s not worth doing. If it doesn’t inspire you it won’t inspire anyone else.

Consider doubt logically. Deal with it appropriately and then move on. There is one direction forward. Relentlessly pursue but be flexible in your plans. Bend when its time to bend.

Seize the smallest opportunities and build momentum. Gather the tools you need along the way. Start now; refuse all that would slow you. Treat yourself with respect, be humble, prepared to make mistakes and to forgive. There is a long road ahead.

Breathe life into your company; breathe life into your product, your services. Create it, so your people are your family and your customers belong. Wave your flag high and be proud of who you are, not who you are not. Live as your consumers live and know them well. Most of all, live each day, you are so much more than just one dream.