As Ponsonby, Newmarket and Parnell’s independent boutiques, bustling cafés and creative businesses prepare for a lively holiday season, local business owners face both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. The holiday rush brings an influx of customers and increased demand, but it also puts pressure on logistics, staffing and customer engagement efforts. For many, this season is as rewarding as it is demanding, and the insights of an experienced volunteer Business Mentor can make all the difference.
Sarah Trotman, ONZM, CEO of Business Mentors NZ says, “Having a Business Mentor is about accessing real-world experience, strategic insights and guidance on growth. A mentor offers an objective, supportive perspective and practical solutions that can be especially valuable during busy times.”
For retail and hospitality sectors where resources are often tight, having a mentor who’s been through similar experiences brings a valuable perspective. Mentors help owners avoid common pitfalls, make strategic decisions and maximise seasonal opportunities.
Business Mentors New Zealand connects business owners with seasoned business people to help them succeed and navigate challenges. Business Mentors understand what it takes to run a small business and have the skills to help owners navigate challenges. A Business Mentor brings hands-on knowledge of issues like customer engagement, operational efficiency and brand building – insights that can transform how owners approach the holiday season and beyond.
Customer experience, for example, is increasingly vital in today’s market. Shoppers are drawn to personalised, memorable interactions, especially during the holiday season when competition is high. A mentor can help business owners refine their in-store and online engagement strategies to build loyalty and drive repeat visits, which in turn can lead to word-of-mouth referrals. Similarly, mentors can bring guidance on planning promotions, managing stock levels and selecting pricing strategies – all essential for balancing customer demand with revenue goals. With their experienced backgrounds in business, Business Mentors help owners make decisions that strengthen revenue while reducing waste, setting them up for both short-term success and long-term sustainability.
The holiday period is also a time of added stress for many business owners. Business Mentors can provide stress-management techniques and recommend scheduling adjustments or support systems to safeguard the wellbeing of the owner and their team. While the holiday season is a focal point, the strategies mentors help put in place can extend far beyond the holidays, equipping local businesses with practices that foster growth year-round.
“To further support the local small business community, BMNZ offers the chance to win up to 12 months of mentorship to one lucky business owner (valued at $295 +GST). To enter, simply click the link and enter your details here: https://content.businessmentors.org.nz/ponsonby-news.
Don’t miss the chance to work with a Mentor who can help you shape your future vision, build resilience, and plan with renewed confidence.”