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 Listen to the discussion on the pitfalls of relying on outdated leadership models, how onboarding sets the tone for long-term retention and why the ultimate test for any workplace is: Would you want your kids to work here?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  --------------------- 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.---------------------Connect with Rob and David on LinkedInRob BullDavid AltenaLearn 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! --------------------- 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 successKnow 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.---------------------Connect with Rob and David on LinkedInRob BullDavid AltenaLearn 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 businessBeyond 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!---------------------Connect with Rob and David on LinkedInRob BullDavid AltenaLearn 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. ---------------------  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

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 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

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 BullDavid 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 SaaS business. 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 over competition. 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 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