that eat the slow

B&B owner-operator becomes new association president

COVID-19 has wrought change around New Zealand. Change in our personal situations and change in our business situations.

In no place is that change greater than in the tourism sector. So, it is opportune to welcome fresh eyes to the helm of the Bed & Breakfast Association New Zealand (BBANZ) in the form of new president, Donna Brooke.

Donna brings with her a wealth of knowledge not only in the B&B sector but the tourism sector as a whole.

“There are a lot of opportunities ahead for BBANZ. We have a

That title is not my own: it is the title of a book that Jason Jennings and Laurence Haughton wrote, which has resonated with me throughout the corporate world and now in my small business world.

When we struggle to see, or indeed react to, what the future trends really are as opposed to what the trends might be; we fall behind. Never has this been more true than in the current reality we all face across the tourism sector. However, it seems that some of us are doing well, against all odds. These are not big corporate machines, necessarily, but small and agile businesses that can react quickly and change tact. I liken it to a large ship: when an obstacle presents itself, the large ship is cumbersome to turn but with a small boat, the reaction

There are a lot of opportunities ahead...

strong Board with a wealth of knowledge and our membership has a depth of knowledge that many other associations would crave for,” she says.

“BBANZ has already developed robust best practice guidelines for members to apply to their businesses.

“I’m optimistic about the future of tourism. Now is the time for our members to be working on their businesses to take advantage of the opportunities they have access to and that are coming their way. The winners of our Business Excellence Awards are testament to what every bed and breakfast owner can achieve. come to a halt but more have said: “Right, what can I do to be more att ractive to our domestic market?” New Zealanders are moving. They are ready to get out and explore their own country but just being open is not enough. There are four points that I would recommend every business consider when working in the here and now: being thrown up in front BBANZ are here to help with modern, forward thinking ideas and I, along with the Board, can’t wait to lead them through.”

Donna Brooke has served on the association’s Board since 2016. Rayma Jenkins (former president) endorsed Donna’s appointment: “I am confi dent that Donna and the Board will provide the guidance and support our members need through these challenging times. They will be innovative while relying on the strong foundations this association has to grow and be a strong voice in the New Zealand accommodation sector.

Donna tells us: “I’m excited to be elected president of BBANZ! I have a background in hotel, sales and marketing management and I’m looking forward to sharing this knowledge and working with the Board for the benefi t of our members.”

Donna and her husband, Chris, own and operate Sunlover Retreat in Tairua, an award

It’s not the big that eat the small – it’s the fast that eat the slow

Donna Brooke, President, B&B Association NZ

can be instantaneous as it ducks and dives.

So, here is the point: these days, speed is important. When you see a game change take place, it does not mean you are dead in the water. Rather, it means you need to act fast, be bold and be decisive. Within the bed and breakfast industry, we have seen some very clear, agile decisions made that have had huge positive impacts on their businesses. These B&Bs are not bemoaning the fact that their international business has

Anticipate the physical and emotional barriers winning bed and breakfast.

of a potential customer or guest. There is going to be a lot of customer perception out there about how safe your business is and your ability to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience.

Spot the trends. The country trends, your industry trends, and your competitor’s trends. One great thing to come out of lockdown is that there are loads of resources, free and paid for. Talk to industry groups and associations. Ask for their data and predictions. Many of these larger businesses and groups have access to high level data that we as a small business do not.

Put every idea through the grinder and do not be scared to trial, accept, or discard ideas. Assess not only your business but your customers as well. Walk through your idea from your customer’s experience. Do it physically if you must.

And, fi nally, let the best idea win – Test/Review, Test/ Review - be brave and be honest. Most of all, do not be afraid to give ideas a go. If ever there was a time to try something new, it is now.

The message to all businesses is clear: notice when the game has changed, and when that happens, act quickly. Anticipate, spot trends, trial new ideas and let the best idea win.