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
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.
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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