Angela Wallace, Export New Zealand Bay of Plenty executive officer
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Exporters - you are not alone!
As executive officer of Export New Zealand Bay of Plenty, Angela Wallace encourages export businesses to make full use of the support networks and organisations out there.
"You don't have to do things in isolation
- there are a lot of exporters keen to help and share their experiences and expertise. Through Export New Zealand, Business NZ, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and a host of other organisations, there is a lot of support out there."
Angela is part of that network and says Export New Zealand's sole purpose is helping export businesses grow.
"On a daily basis, it means variety - engaging with lots of business people and organisations, organising forums to keep exporters abreast of the latest information, celebrating businesses through the export awards, managing offshore delegations and a lot more."
Entries are open for the Bay of Plenty Export Awards and Angela sees a range of benefits for businesses.
"The Export Awards are a great way to benchmark and showcase your business - to celebrate its successes. It is also often a real treat for staff to attend an awards function."
She says the judging process is stringent and objective, with "incredibly skilled and enthusiastic" judges. Companies learn a lot by going through it.
"Being a recognised awards finalist or winner also gives prospective offshore clients confidence they are dealing with a credible business."
Managing export businesses in the current environment is not easy - especially with the high New Zealand dollar. Angela says this is an ongoing issue, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, but she believes Kiwis are up to the challenge.
"We live in very interesting times, especially regarding technological leaps. New Zealanders tend to be early adapters and natural travellers who like to get stuck in, so we are in a good space to spot the opportunities and run with them."
Getting stuck in and adapting quickly are key elements of her role with Export New Zealand.
"There are times when I have to be able to put my life on hold and do whatever needs to be done to make sure a project is a success, such as leading a delegation overseas. This often requires ridiculous hours and a lot of problem-solving on the hop."
But that's part of what she enjoys.
" I find it quite stimulating and enjoy the intensity and the feeling of a job well done."
Forming contacts and relationships is also essential. "I often say, in my role, I don't have to know anything - I just need to know who does."
She also has to know her audience and create events that appeal to them. Export New Zealand is a membership organisation, so if she is not meeting exporters' needs, there will be no members.
"When running events and functions, the prerequisite is that my colleague, Tracy, and I need to feel inspired about it. Then we can pass that energy on to our members. Our approach is working - Export NZ BOP is a thriving organisation in every respect."
She believes in offering valuable and professional events that are also fun.
"People are so busy these days that the 'same old, same old' just doesn't work anymore."
Do you know a High Achiever who might be suitable for a Post Business profile? We are looking for people who:
- Are leaders in their industry or the local business community
- Have recently received an award or qualification
- Have been promoted within the company or taken on a new post at national or regional level
- Are celebrating a significant milestone
- Have made a particular contribution to their industry or wider business community
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