Networking nation can beat the odds
Later this week, New Zealand will recognise some of its most illustrious business leaders at the Kea Awards ceremony.
The Kea network describes itself as New Zealand’s ’’borderless nation’’, linking up achieving Kiwis around the world and enabling them to help their countrymen and women who are on the way up.
Chief executive Craig Donaldson, describes the organisation as creating the advantages of a ‘‘Harvard alumni’’ writ large - using the community of half a million Kiwis and 5000 ‘high impact’ people, operating at the top of their game on the global stage, to grow businesses and find connections.
Its ethos follows the old adage that it is not what you know but who you know, a way to open up doors to influential people that you might not have previously had an opportunity to talk to, or even find.
This concept of forming partnerships, sharing knowledge, perspectives and contacts is aligned with the growing ‘‘sharing economy’’ worldwide - and New Zealand, with its 4.5 million people can benefit more than many other nations, if it can learn to embrace it.
It is not counter to competitiveness, it boosts the advantage and contributes to deeper sustainability, not just for individual businesses, but for the national economy.
Donaldson says it’s important that New Zealanders don’t feel too shy to use it. He says: ‘‘The message is for Kiwi firms to use this amazing network. We make 1,000 connections a year and have an immediate goal to reach the 5,000 mark. We are using digital technology to help us.
‘‘If business owners want to know something, then often a direct question works best. People are very busy, but a narrowed down, specific request can be answered pretty quickly and can be of immediate help.’’
This year’s winners include Sir Rob Fenwick, currently the Director of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongerewa, scientist and entrepreneur Dr Privahini Bradoo, the awardwinning choreographer Parris Goebel, leading scientist Dr Phil Rolston, chef Robert Oliver and founder of Wrightspeed Inc, Ian Wright.
Visit www.Keaconnect.com for more information on how to network globally.