Inside our BDM Bubbles

As you would have all experienced, life during COVID-19 lockdown was a bit different to what we previously considered as normal. In this article our New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Business Development Managers (BDM’s) share a little about their experiences and challenges encountered over this period.

AUCKLAND

Auckland BDM, Andrew Macdonald

Working from my high-rise apartment in Auckland’s CBD, basking in a view of the Auckland harbour, I observed a notably quiet city centre with an occasional police siren as police officers pulled over drivers enforcing lockdown protocols of Alert Level 4. My normal acquisition process for liaising with potential members is a face-to-face engagement and this had to be adapted to selling membership over the phone and via email. With this new approach came new challenges and sometimes it could become quite time-consuming acquiring new membership. To help with some of these challenges I took some time to upskill and learn how to use various online programmes and apps such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. These new learnings allowed me to communicate and participate in online regional educational events such as the Auckland LBP training day, acquisition meetings and meetings with work colleagues at our National Support Office.

A standout observation for me during this time was after making many calls to members and non-members there was a big change in the conversation I was having. Everybody had more time to talk and conversations were longer than normal and more straight up, and that is what I love about dealing with people in our industry.

South Island BDM, Nick Matthews

SOUTH

For me life in “lockdown” was not any different from any other time of the year, apart from having my wife and three boys at home during the day. Finding a balance between work, home schooling, feeding time at the zoo and limiting screen time was interesting. Thankfully however, the weather was fine, and Christchurch had picture-perfect autumn days for getting outside to enjoy some family exercise. Not being able to travel and physically meet with people was an adjustment for me, however the use of Zoom and Microsoft Teams meant I was able to keep in regular contact with members and work colleagues from National Support Office. I continued to keep busy with membership enquires and it seemed many non-aligned builders were using the lockdown period to think about their business model and the advantages that a trade association can offer to their business.

It was reassuring to hear the response I received from potential new members when asked why they wanted to join our Association and what they wanted from their membership. Their response was “I need access to accurate information and support from a trusted organisation. This confirmed to me, it is the subtle things NZCB offer that make a difference. The impact COVID-19 has had on our industry, the wider community and our nation has been a new experience for us all. And, as we come out of lockdown and return to site, we enter new territory learning to adjust to new government protocols whilst being mindful of taking small bites of the ‘elephant’ so as to not over commit yourselves. If we can all commit to this, it will help protect all our families, staff and their families. My normal way of signing off my article is to say “See you in the regions” but this time I’ll simply say…”Stay Safe!”

North Island BDM, Shane Ririnui My experience throughout the lockdown period was rather rewarding, both in my work and personal activity. Whilst lockdown didn’t impact on my regular day-to-day duties of membership acquisition and assisting members with their enquiries it did allow me the opportunity to add to the educational library in the members’ Toolshed. I also had many video meetings via Zoom and Microsoft Teams with work colleagues at the National Support Office, regional committees and joined a regional LBP training day, thanks to the Auckland Region. Any spare time I had, I took the opportunity

to enhance and upskill my techniques NORTH in presentation, both online and live so as to provide a more polished delivery and experience to my audience. As for my personal time; just like my South Island counterpart Nick, I had to adjust during this time to find a balance between work and home life. To be honest, it was challenging at times, but again rewarding as I was able to spend some quality time with my whanau. This COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to make ripples not only through our industry but through the economy and life itself. We need to be vigilant in what we are doing and just like Nick’s “elephant”, we need to run a lean business ensuring we can carry on through to the other side safely, which I believe will be at least eight to twelve months down the track. Keep yourself, your family and your business safe and we will see you all on the other side. Ka Kite.