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. 

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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  

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. 

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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  

This episode dives deep into the implications of the recent US election and what it means for New Zealand’s SMBs, exploring key insights and strategies from hosts David Altena and Rob Bull. With tariffs on exports potentially rising under a Trump presidency, Rob frames this as a wake-up call rather than a crisis, emphasising how such challenges can spur innovation, productivity improvements, and strengthen New Zealand’s position in the global market.

Strategies are discussed for turning obstacles into opportunities, including leveraging constraints to fuel creativity, adopting emerging technologies like AI, and refining business processes for greater efficiency. Real-world examples are shared of businesses already embracing automation and productivity improvements. David and Rob also stress the importance of proactive planning, industry collaboration, and reducing reliance on government support to drive meaningful change.

Highlights include:

• "This isn’t a crisis—it’s a wake-up call to innovate, improve productivity, and compete globally."
• "Constraints, like tariffs, can drive creativity and efficiency gains across your business."
• "Proactive planning and leveraging tools like AI can turn adversity into a sustainable advantage."

Packed with practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for SMB owners looking to embrace change, adopt a growth mindset, and turn global challenges into lasting competitive advantages.

Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB Podcast! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review.

---------------------

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 

David and Rob dive into productivity misconceptions and political posturing around the term. They discuss recent government statements suggesting that increasing speed limits and returning to in-office work will improve productivity and argue that these superficial comments confuse the subject and ignore the real issues impacting workplace effectiveness.

From the misuse of "productivity" in politics to the economic cost of poor project management and quality control in infrastructure, the episode explores how misplaced priorities and lack of accountability are hindering meaningful progress.

The episode closes with a call for a redefinition of productivity—one that focuses on genuine capability-building and smart business practices that drive real economic value. They also ask listeners to weigh in: Is it time to rebrand productivity, and what would a meaningful approach look like?

---------------------

Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn

Rob Bull

David Altena

Learn more about Plexus Consulting and Rob's mission 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 

In this episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull sit down with Grant Johnson, founder and CEO of Rocketspark, to discuss the journey from a small startup to a successful SaaSbusiness.

Grant shares insights on how he and his team bootstrapped Rocketspark during the 2008 financial crisis, the evolution of their vision, and the importance of community overcompetition.

Key lessons included staying close to customers, leveraging advisors, and focusing on effective business processes to improve productivity. Grant also reflects on personal leadership growth and balancing work-life pressures as a business scales.

Don't miss this deep dive into what it takes to build and sustain a successful SMB in today’s digital landscape.

--------------------------------------

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 mailinglist on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today 

In this episode, hosts David and Rob discuss the intricacies of productivity, focusing on the benefits of lean methodology and continuous improvement in both large corporations and small-to-medium businesses.

Rob explains how lean was born out of necessity at Toyota and how these principles can be adapted to any business environment.

The conversation reveals the cultural barriers that often hold back SMEs, particularly in New Zealand, from embracing continuous improvement and productivity gains.

Rob shares practical, no-nonsense strategies for reducing inefficiencies, empowering teams, and creating smoother workflows. Highlighting the need for better communication, eliminating waste, and focusing on quality to achieve sustained improvements in any business.

Takeaways:

• The importance of leadership in fostering a productivity-focused work environment.
• How lean methodology can reduce waste and improve efficiency.

• Simple, actionable steps to kick-start a culture of continuous improvement.
• Identifying and overcoming common roadblocks to productivity in SMEs.

----------------------

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 

In this episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull sit down with Sean Wallace, Director of Product and Partnerships at Flowingly, to explore the intricacies of process improvement within local government. Sean, who has extensive experience in the sector, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities councils face in managing their broad range of services.

The conversation delves into the complexity of local government operations, highlighting the difficulties of streamlining processes across diverse services. Sean discusses the importance of a solid approach to process improvement, the impact of decentralisation, and the struggles councils face in hiring and retaining technical talent. He also emphasises the need for collaboration among councils, suggesting that standardisation and sharing best practices can lead to significant efficiency gains.

Key topics include the disconnect between customer experience and internal processes, the inefficiencies caused by outdated systems like paper-based workflows, and the potential benefits of continuous deployment over endless documentation. Sean advocates for empowering teams at the ground level to innovate and improve their processes, with leadership playing a crucial role in providing the right tools and support.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into how local governments can better manage change, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity—lessons also applicable to SMBs looking to refine their operations.

Takeaways:

• The unique challenges of managing diverse services within local government.
• The importance of collaboration and standardisation across councils.
• Strategies for improving customer experience by refining internal processes.
• The benefits of continuous deployment and empowering teams to drive change.

----------------------

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 

Co-host David takes a turn in the guest seat as Rob interviews him about his recent MBA research on productivity in New Zealand's SMB sector.

David's work, which has received attention from the National Business Review, dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs when it comes to enhancing productivity.

David shares key findings from his research, highlighting the importance of strengthening leadership and management capabilities to drive productivity improvements.

He outlines the three-step implementation approach he created and businesses can adopt, focusing on establishing solid leadership foundations, understanding critical metrics, and applying a tailored productivity framework.

The conversation covers the role of innovation, the power of collaboration, and how these factors can lead to significant economic benefits if widely implemented.

Rob and David provide practical advice for SMB owners on measuring key business metrics, building effective business plans, and the value of networking—even for those with limited time.

This episode is a must-listen for SMB owners and anyone interested in boosting productivity within New Zealand's economy.

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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

In this episode, hosts Rob and David sit down with Simon Walker, former CEO of Proposition Group. Simon shares his insights following his recent exit from the company after nine successful years.

The discussion starts with Simon’s reflections on his journey and the intriguing concept of ID 2070. He elaborates on creating a long-term economic vision for New Zealand, inspired by Ireland’s transformative progress over 50 years. Simon delves into the productivity challenges in New Zealand, emphasising the importance of value creation and the need for a robust economic identity.

Simon also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from founding Proposition Group to leading it solo after his business partner’s departure. He shares valuable lessons on opportunity cost, the importance of cash flow management, and the transition from a Chief Everything Officer to building and trusting a competent team.

The conversation touches on leadership maturity, the necessity of storytelling in business, and the critical role of ambition and excellence in driving success. Simon advocates for a cultural shift towards embracing ambition and highlights the potential of New Zealand’s SME sector to significantly contribute to the economy with the right mindset and support.

Wrapping up, Simon offers his vision for the future, focusing on inspiring business owners, fostering international collaborations, and emphasising the development of soft skills. His parting message is a call to action for New Zealand’s business community to strive for excellence and ambition in their pursuits.

Takeaways:

• The concept of ID 2070 and its implications for New Zealand's economic future.
• Lessons in leadership and business growth from Simon's experience at Proposition Group.
• The importance of value creation in productivity.
• Encouraging ambition and excellence in New Zealand's SME sector.
• The role of storytelling in inspiring and guiding business success.

Tune in to hear Simon's insights and discover how you can apply these lessons to your business journey.

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

David and Rob dive into the intricacies of various productivity reports, including the Xero Small Business Insights Report, BNZ Manufacturing Snapshots, OECD Economic Survey on New Zealand, and the NZIER and ASB Business Productivity in New Zealand Report.

They critique the relevance and utility of these reports for SMB owners, questioning the practicality of metrics and data presented. The hosts discuss the disconnect between the findings and the real needs of SMEs, advocating for more straightforward, actionable insights that can genuinely benefit business owners.

The conversation touches on the impact of regulation on innovation and productivity, arguing that much of the red tape cited as hindrances may be overstated. The episode concludes with a call for concise, practical, and directly useful reports for SME owners, emphasising the need for simplicity and actionable steps over complex jargon and unnecessary data.

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

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Better SMB Podcast, where we dive deep into what it takes to boost productivity and elevate performance for New Zealand’s small and medium-sized enterprises. In this pilot episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull share their insights and of experience in the tech and business improvement sectors.David discusses the pivotal role of innovation, in transforming business operations. Meanwhile, Rob emphasizes the concept of ‘micro productivity’.

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

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 

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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  

In this episode, we explore the so-called “skills shortage” in New Zealand manufacturing. David and Rob unpack their NZ Manufacturer article, arguing that talent shortages are often a smokescreen for deeper issues in leadership, workplace culture, and internal systems. 

Rather than chasing unicorn hires, they challenge business leaders to rethink how they structure work, engage teams and build inspiring environments people want to be part of. Drawing on a compelling case study from Jones and Sandford Joinery, they show what’s possible when leaders focus on trust, coaching and continuous improvement. 

Listen to the discussion on the pitfalls of relying on outdated leadership models, how onboarding sets the tone for long-term retention and why the ultimate test for any workplace is: Would you want your kids to work here? 

Key Takeaways 

• 40% of manufacturing roles are low-skilled, but businesses still blame talent shortages instead of fixing internal systems. 

• Leadership is the real shortage, not people. Most owners are still acting as technicians, not coaches. 

• Culture is built through daily actions: trust, transparency and communication are the foundation. 

• Case studies like Jones and Sandford prove you can triple output without hiring more staff if you focus on the right things. 

• Hiring for potential beats chasing perfection, use personality and communication profiling to build better teams. 

• Effective onboarding is an investment, not a task to rush through in panic mode. 

• Ask the ultimate question: Would I want my kids to work here? 

Highlights 

"If you're blaming the market, you're probably not fixing the things you can control." 

"Create an environment where people say, 'I get to go to work today', not 'I've got to go to work.'" 

"A highly engaged workforce is around 20% more productive, why aren't we designing for that?" 

Our Mission 

We want to support 100,000 businesses to lift their performance by focusing on what’s within their control: building leadership capability, improving systems and creating workplaces where people thrive. Please help us by liking, subscribing, leaving a review and sharing the show  

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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  

In this episode, we dive deep into the book "The E Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber, exploring key insights about business roles and growth. Hosts Rob and David discuss the three critical personas in business: the technician, manager and entrepreneur.

Highlights:

• "Most businesses are started by skilled technicians who get trapped doing technical work instead of growing the business."

• "Create a business manual as if you were going to franchise it, even if you don't plan to franchise."

• "The owner often becomes the bottleneck by not letting go and systematising the business."

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how you transition between technician, manager and entrepreneur roles
• Create systems and processes that allow your business to scale
• Develop a strategic plan that supports your business vision
• Invest time in working on the business, not just in the business

By being intentional about developing your business, creating clear organisational structures on focusing on continuously improving business systems the e-Myth is a great blueprint to move through the phases of business maturity.

Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Please help us spread this message by subscribing, sharing the show with people in your network and leaving a review.

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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 higher performing business today

In this episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull dive into New Zealand’s longstanding productivity crisis and why waiting for government intervention won’t solve it. Instead, they argue that manufacturers must take the lead, turning challenges like labour shortages and rising costs into opportunities to innovate and improve efficiency.

Drawing from their recent column in NZ Manufacturer magazine, David and Rob unpack:

• Why government policies alone won’t be enough to lift national productivity.
• How 15,000 manufacturers prioritising business performance over the next five years could reshape the economy.
• The execution gap—why most businesses fail to act, and how to start making real progress today.

• Simple, no-cost actions that any manufacturer can take to start improving their efficiency and competitiveness.

Key Takeaways:

🚀 “If we want to see real economic progress, we need at least 15,000 manufacturing businesses to make improving business performance their top priority over the next five years.”

🔧 “You don’t need money to start this journey—just time. Small changes, like reducing meeting times or organising workspaces, can have a compounding impact on your productivity.”

💡 “Stop making excuses and start taking control of your business's performance. The time to act is now.”

Join us for a no-nonsense, action-packed discussion on how businesses can break free from stagnation and start driving real change today.

Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review to help us keep these important conversations going!

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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 higher-performing business today 

In this episode, David hosts solo while Rob takes a well-earned break. He shares a recording of his recent talk at the Mahi Tahi Collective 2025 TechFest. This event brought together leading tech companies—including Optimation Group, Silicon Systems, Montage, Team Cloud, Xtracta, Zen Consulting, and SmartSpace—to explore how technology and collaboration can drive business performance and productivity.

David dives into why productivity has been a longstanding challenge for New Zealand businesses, why GDP isn’t the best measure for business owners and introduces his Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG): helping 100,000 businesses take action to improve their performance. He also outlines a practical approach that businesses can start using immediately to improve operations and drive better results.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why productivity is a critical challenge for SMBs in New Zealand

✅ Why GDP isn’t the best measure for business owners and operators

✅ The vision behind helping 100,000 businesses take action

✅ A structured roadmap for improving productivity—starting as soon as tomorrow

✅ How technology and leadership go hand in hand in driving business success

Know a business owner or leader who could benefit from this conversation? Share this episode with them! Let’s help more businesses take real action on productivity.

🎧 Thanks for listening to The Better SMB Podcast! Keep pushing forward and making your business better.

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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

In this first episode recorded in 2025, The Better SMB Podcast kicks off the year with a deep dive into goal setting and making meaningful business progress.

Hosts David Altena and Rob Bull reflect on their journey over the past year—celebrating wins, acknowledging challenges, and sharing key lessons learned from unexpected opportunities and connections that have come from launching and growing the podcast.

They break down the long-term vision for The Better SMB Podcast and how that translates into goal setting, lead and lag measures, and accountability structures to drive success. The discussion highlights ambitious plans, including securing high-profile guests, attracting sponsorship, and raising the podcast’s profile over the next 12–18 months—with a bold goal of becoming a leading voice for SMBs in New Zealand’s next election cycle.

Listeners will gain practical insights into:

• Reflecting on the past year to learn and grow

• Setting an inspiring vision that drives motivates and action

• Identifying and track key productivity metrics for meaningful progress

• Building an action plan with structured milestones

• Use Rob and David’s approach as a blueprint for applying these principles to your own business

Beyond just listening, this episode presents a practical approach you can apply directly to your business—just in time for the new financial year in New Zealand.

Whether you're refining your existing strategy or setting bold new goals, this conversation will equip you with the mindset and tools to make 2025 a transformational year for your business.

🚀 Tune in, take action, and make this year your most productive yet!

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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

Anthony McMahon, Technology Strategist, Public Speaker and founder of Target State Consulting, joins David and Rob for this episode. Anthony shares his insights on how technology can empower SMBs to innovate, streamline operations, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.

The discussion aims to demystify key technology concepts, such as the role of an enterprise architect, the differences between generative AI and machine learning, and the implications of adopting Industry 4.0 for New Zealand manufacturers. Anthony emphasises the importance of aligning technology investments with business goals, cautioning against jumping on trends without clearly understanding potential benefits and risks.

Key Takeaways:

Start with Problems, Not Solutions: Identify your business's pain points before exploring how AI or other technologies can address them.

Invest Wisely: Consider engaging a business analyst to assess needs, prioritise challenges, and propose tailored solutions.

Understand Industry 4.0: It’s more than automation—it's about connectivity and smarter systems, but it’s not a silver bullet.

Avoid Technology for Technology's Sake: Effective technology adoption hinges on clear processes and a focus on business outcomes.

Be Curious and Seek Help: SMBs should explore real-world examples and collaborate with experts to make informed decisions.

The episode closes with practical advice for SMB leaders: Take time to define success before embarking on a technology journey and remember the value of curiosity and collaboration in navigating today’s fast-moving tech environment.

A must-listen for business owners looking to leverage technology to build smarter, more resilient operations.

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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 .

In this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull break down the concept of innovation, distinguishing it from invention and explaining how SMBs can approach innovation purposefully rather than accidentally. They explore the challenges business owners face in prioritising innovation amidst day-to-day operations, the cultural barriers in New Zealand that stifle acknowledgment of innovation, and the importance of leadership in enabling and supporting innovative thinking. David and Rob share practical strategies to embed innovation into your business, focusing on proactive planning, ideation, and disciplined execution. They highlight the need for engaging teams, allocating resources, and maintaining transparency to foster a culture of continuous improvement. The hosts also discuss the significant value that even small changes can deliver, drawing parallels to historical examples like Toyota's production system, which thrived under constraints. Key takeaways include: • The five steps to intentional innovation: discipline, ideation, budgeting, action, and visibility. • Why SMB owners must make time to work on the business rather than just in it. • How simple tools like the Eisenhower matrix can help prioritise impactful ideas. • The importance of storytelling and transparency in encouraging team participation and sustained innovation. Tune in for actionable advice on how to turn constraints into opportunities and drive long-term growth for your SMB. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts on innovation with the hosts! —————— 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