The Better SMB Podcast

By: David Altena
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  • Summary

  • 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
    Copyright David Altena
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Episodes
  • What the Truck is Productivity? Unpacking Lean and Continuous Improvement

    What the Truck is Productivity? Unpacking Lean and Continuous Improvement
    Sep 21 2024
    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 Bull⁠⁠David 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
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    38 mins
  • Getting the Basics Right in Local Government with Sean Wallace

    Getting the Basics Right in Local Government with Sean Wallace
    Sep 1 2024
    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 BullDavid 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
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    45 mins
  • Boosting Productivity: what immediate actions can our SMBs take

    Boosting Productivity: what immediate actions can our SMBs take
    Aug 11 2024
    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. ---------------------- Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠Rob Bull⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David 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
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    51 mins
Management Economics
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