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 actionable
tips, 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
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 actionable
tips, 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
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
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 .