Business consultancy and community development go hand-in-hand for Israel and Teresa Hawkins of the Wera Hub.
The couple run a business consultancy, a branding and marketing firm and a charitable trust from their base in Fenton St.
Israel says running the three organisations simultaneously is only possible because the hub is a
whanau operation.
"All our children, whanau and friends are part of its work and success.''
Employing competent staff who can work independently in their respective roles is also important as it leaves the couple free to macro manage the results.
He also points to how the three businesses enhance each other.
"Often, when we provide our services, clients usually ask what else we can do and then engage our other businesses.''
Consolidating all three entities to one site in July last year has only helped this integration.
"It has provided a one-stop shop for all our services. People can walk in with one need and walk out with several solutions.''
- Wera Consultants provides training and advice, sharing the Hawkins' experience in business development, training, strategic and business planning and staff and management training.
- Wera Creative focuses on the branding and marketing side of business, creating marketing strategies, logos and branded materials.
- Wera Aotearoa Charitable Trust, works to improve the skills and knowledge bases of families and individuals in the community.
In their own words
What three factors would you consider most important in strategic business planning?
The skill of articulating your vision. The knowledge to describe what you need to do to achieve the vision. The perseverance to see it to its end.
How does a good strategic plan help abusiness in the short term and in the longer term?
In the short term, it explains the practical steps needed to achieve a long-term vision, creating active steps towards your dream and vision.
In the long term, it gives you a direction for the growth and development of your business.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
Teresa: Barmaid in Albufeira, Portugal. Working in a foreign country had its challenges, but without those challenges I would never have learned to appreciate what little I had. Do well in the smaller challenges and you will equip yourself for the larger challenges.
Israel: Cook at KFC in Wainuiomata. You have to start from the beginning and never get above yourself. You need to appreciate that good things come after hard work and never apologise for working hard.
What is the secret to a successful husband-and-wife business partnership that does not take over your lives entirely?
Teresa:I see it as a privilege to be able to dream together and walk hand-in-hand fulfilling it. The businesses fit into our lives and give us the satisfaction we look for together - both in a personal and professional sense.
Israel: Knowing our skills, respecting our positions, maintaining our passion for life and sharing our dreams.