CEO COMMENT
The business of change
Last week I had lunch with a 77-year old business owner who has been a client of Lock Finance since 1973. His company installs film projectors in cinemas all over New Zealand. Recently we sponsored him for a business ideas workshop which he really enjoyed and more importantly found extremely useful to his business. As a result he has implemented several changes to his business, which is now managed day-to-day by his son.
At our lunch, the business owner thanked us for that seminar. Like many businesses at the moment, he is also in the process of restructuring, and I am pleased to say, Lock will continue to work with him, through this process.
What I really noticed was that at 77, our client was still very receptive to new ideas and happy to drive change in his business. We can all be guilty of preferring to stay in our comfort zone, happy with our familiar day-to-day routines. Often, we find it a struggle to step back and take stock of what changes are needed and where improvements can be made. Change is not easy but is it necessary and often the only way a business can stay relevant.
We know that this year has been hard for many of you, and the competition is tougher than ever out there in the marketplace. The much “hoped-for” resurgence in the economy seems to be around yet another corner; cash flow remains tight; the market's volatility has certainly not helped.
For some companies, this has led to a corporate slimming down programme. We've tightened our belt this year too. But we continue to see that strong Kiwi resilience come through, time and time again. We have seen many clients produce stronger results from implementing smarter ideas, by improving accountability and increasing staff participation in decision making.
I hope you will be inspired by our 77-year old client and continue to explore changes that will improve your business.
On a lighter note, this month, along with some members of the Lock Finance team I have entered a ‘Biggest Loser’ weight loss competition organised by our neighbouring tenant, Rentplus. While we’re not taking it too seriously, I can tell you there is certainly more awareness around the office regarding what we eat and how often we get down to the gym. It is surprising how competition focuses the mind!
P/S: Speaking of competition, as I was writing this, New Zealand was enjoying its biggest ever sporting event, the Rugby World Cup. The battles there will be intense, so go the All Blacks!
Simon Thompson
CEO, Lock Finance