Category: Entrepreneurship

Learning from failure

Linda

via GIPHY

A young woman I know recently failed her first attempt at her driving practical.

Ironically, it wasn’t a case of doing something wrong.  She did what she had been instructed to do, which was stop when the light turned red.  Unfortunately, in this case, it was in the middle of the intersection ….

The assessor saw the funny side, telling her it wasn’t often people were failed for doing the right thing.  This time though, the right thing was the wrong thing for the time and place. 


She told me how embarrassed she was, as, up until that moment she felt she was doing really well and was going to pass. I asked her “OK, so what have you learned from this?”  

Because for every failure in life there is a lesson to be learned if you are inclined.  Sometimes it takes making a mistake more than once to learn from it.

Most successful business and sportspeople will tell a similar story.  For all the success – the awards, the achievements, the medals – there have been total bombs.  Ideas that should have worked but didn’t.  The mis-steps and mis-readings relating to customer requirements or the state of the market. Things that go spectacularly wrong.  

via GIPHY

The thing with successful businesses is that they learn from the failure, pick themselves up and move forward.  

My young friend has done the same and booked another driving test, this time with some additional, hard earned, practical knowledge, and all going well, will soon be issued with a driver’s license. 

It’s all about the attitude to failure.

via GIPHY

Below is a compilation of some library resources that guide readers to a better understanding of failure and the lessons (both business and life) that can be learned from the experience.

In this Forbes article 20 leaders share times they have failed and the lessons they learned from those experiences that guided them later success.

Failure has taught me lessons I would never otherwise have understood.  I have evolved more as a result of things going wrong than when everything seemed to be going right.  Out of crisis has come clarity …
Elizabeth Day , author of How to fail

Elizabeth Day, author of two of the books below, has her podcast, How to fail, available via several platforms.

How to fail : everything I’ve ever learned from things going wrong / Day, Elizabeth
“Inspired by her hugely popular podcast, How To Fail is Elizabeth Day’s brilliantly funny, painfully honest and insightful celebration of things going wrong. This is a book for anyone who has ever failed. Which means it’s a book for everyone. … It’s a book about learning from our mistakes and about not being afraid. Uplifting, inspiring and rich in stories from Elizabeth’s own life, How to Fail reveals that failure is not what defines us; rather it is how we respond to it that shapes us as individuals. Because learning how to fail is actually learning how to succeed better. And everyone needs a bit of that.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Failosophy : a handbook for when things go wrong / Day, Elizabeth
“‘Most failures can teach us something meaningful about ourselves if we choose to listen’ In Failosophy Elizabeth Day brings together all the lessons she has learned, from conversations with the guests on her award-winning How to Fail podcast, from stories shared with her by readers and listeners, and from her own life, and distils them into seven principles of failure. Practical, reassuring and inspirational, these principles offer a guide through life’s rough patches. From failed exams to romantic break-ups, from career setbacks to confidence crises, from navigating anxiety to surviving loss, Failosophy recognises, and celebrates, the fact that failure connects us all. It is what makes us human. With insights from Malcolm Gladwell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Lemn Sissay, Frankie Bridge, Nigel Slater, Emeli Sande, Alain de Botton, Mabel, Fearne Cotton, Meera Syal, Dame Kelly Holmes, Andrew Scott and many, many more, Failosophy is the essential handbook for turning failure into success.” (Catalogue).  Also available as EBook Libby and EAudiobook Libby

If you should fail : a book of solace / Moran, Joe
“Do you ever feel like a failure? Enter widely acclaimed observer of daily life Professor Joe Moran, not to tell you that everything will be all right in the end, but to reassure you that failure is an occupational hazard of being human. It’s the small print in life’s terms and conditions. Covering everything from examination dreams to fourth-placed Olympians, If You Should Fail is about how modern life, in a world of self-advertised success, makes us feel like failures, frauds and imposters. We need more narratives of failure, and to see that not every failure can be made into a success – and that’s OK. As Moran shows, even the supremely gifted Leonardo da Vinci could be seen as a failure. Most artists, writers, sports stars and business people face failure. We all will, and can learn how to live with it. … Combining philosophy, psychology, history and literature, Moran’s ultimately upbeat reflections on being human, and his critique of how we live now, offers comfort, hope – and solace.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Failure is an option : how setbacks breed success / Robson, Terry
“Everybody has experienced failure at some stage – and we will no doubt experience it again, perhaps many times. The question is: does failure get the credit it deserves? In this inspiring and practical book, Terry Robson reveals how success cannot be achieved without a willingness to embrace failure – and shows us the opportunity that failure presents us to reflect and reassess. He delves into the notion of failure from philosophical, psychological and spiritual perspectives, and provides the tools we need to not only cope with failure, but also to learn from it”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

Adapt : why success always starts with failure / Harford, Tim
“Outlines a counterintuitive approach to changing the world by assessing its failures, drawing on myriad disciplines to argue that complex challenges must be met through adaptive trial-and-error practices that do not depend on expert opinions or ready-made solutions.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Fail brilliantly : exploding the myths of failure and success / Davidow, Shelley
“We all spend much of our lives trying to cope with failure; sometimes we try to assign value to it, but failure looms as a debilitating concept in millions of lives, affecting children and adults alike. Fail Brilliantly proposes a radical shift: erase the word and concept of failure from the realms of education and human endeavors. Replace it with new words and concepts. This shift in position has the potential to transform our lives and ultimately reshape our definition of success!” (Catalogue)

Fueled by failure : using detours and defeats to power progress / Bloom, Jeremy
“Shining a light on the baggage he, and many other successful entrepreneurs bring along on their journey to success, professional athlete turned CEO and philanthropist Jeremy Bloom, spotlights the bag marked “failures” and unpacks. Captivating readers with anecdotes and takeaways from his successes, Bloom pulls at the common failure thread that unites him with his audience and tackles the rarely discussed facets of failure relevant to reaching career and business goals. Bloom takes aspiring and early stage entrepreneurs from the hilltops of Torino to NFL practice grounds to the struggles of startup, revealing tactical secrets – personal and learned from popular business associates, coaches, and teammates – to surviving setbacks while searching for success. Making the case (proven by many highly respected entrepreneurs) that success is never linear, Bloom introduces tactics for managing expectations for ourselves and team, recovering and rebounding after defeat, knowing what to keep and what to toss when it comes to failure’s lessons, and plotting a new course. Lessons and practices are illustrated by Jeremy’s own story, which include NFL Hall of Famers, Olympic champions, and insights and advice from business leaders. Case studies and interviews with other practicing entrepreneurs are also presented. “–” (Catalogue)

You are awesome : how to navigate change, wrestle with failure, and live an intentional life / Pasricha, Neil
“We are living in an era with the highest-ever rates of longevity, education, and wealth. For most of us famine, plague, and other life-threatening catastrophes are the stuff of history books. But there is one side effect: We no longer have the tools to handle failure– or even perceived failure. Pasricha shows us that we need to change the way we view failure. Here he shares the secrets to building resilience, which will allow us to navigate change and live an intentional life. — adapted from jacket” (Catalogue)

Win or learn : the naked truth about turning every rejection into your ultimate success / Cohen, Harlan
“The fear of rejection is universal. From being on the receiving end of a breakup to being turned down for your dream job, we’ve all experienced the sharp sting of rejection and grown to fear the risks that might lead to our next failure. After years of relentless risk-taking and rejection, New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen has unlocked the secret to sparking success without the fear of failure. In Win or learn, Cohen guides you through a life-changing experiment to identify your dreams, eliminate your fears, and confidently take the risks necessary to achieve every goal you set. Through Cohen’s approach, you’ll learn to want more, risk more, and ultimately achieve more”–Page 4 of cover.” (Catalogue)

Bounce back : how to fail fast and be resilient at work / Kahn, Susan
“Success. Innovation. Creativity. Growth. We all want these things at work – but the one thing they all have in common is that they involve failure. A fear of failure, or the inability to bounce back and learn from failures, is one of the biggest things that can hold us back in our professional development – so how do we learn how to fail well and develop our resilience? Wherever we work, and whatever role we deliver, we all have the power to change our thinking and our response to failure – Bounce Back is here to help. Written by consultant and teacher, Dr Susan Kahn, this book will show you how to embrace failure. Failing fast, failing well, and learning how to be agile and resilient at work is a vital part of being a successful and innovative leader, approaching opportunities with excitement and creativity, and driving forward your personal and professional growth. Packed with practical exercises, inspirational case studies, and a useful resilience self-assessment guide, Bounce Back will show you how to invest in your resilience in a deliberate way, and empower you to face risk head-on. From learning how to respond well to critical feedback, to understanding cultural attitudes to failure around the world, this book will help you be a stronger, more resilient you”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

 

Talking about oceans and wellbeing with Natalie Jones, Seasick Sunscreen Co.

Linda

The realisation that sunscreen chemicals and plastic bottles are contributing to ocean pollution hit Natalie Jones, founder of Seasick Sunscreen Co, some years ago when on a snorkelling trip in Hawaii.

As a long time environmentalist/conservationist Natalie (Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa) was concerned to learn that the sunscreen she used on a daily basis could be damaging the coral reef and wildlife she was swimming with.

How then to have an effective sunscreen while limiting impact on the reef environment?  For Natalie, the answer was to return home and begin researching how to make a better product.

The result is Seasick Sunscreen Co – a social enterprise on a mission to be Aotearoa’s most sustainable sunscreen brand.  After much experimentation, trialling and tweaking Natalie created a sunscreen formula made with just seven naturally-derived ingredients including non-nano zinc oxide.

As well as containing no animal products, Seasick Sunscreen Co has been independently certified as providing broad spectrum SPF30 protection.

As a social enterprise,  two percent of Seasick Sunscreen Co’s income is donated to ocean conservation projects such as Wellington’s Love Rimurimu Project, piloting the regeneration of kelp forests around Aotearoa’s takutai (coastline).

Like all beginning businesses Natalie has faced challenges and is candid about how the journey from idea, to start up, to self-supporting sustainable business has not always been smooth.

Seasick Sunscreen Co began as a sidegig whilst Natalie worked a full time job in conservation along with studying.  She had to contend with learning the ins-and-outs of doing all the things a sole trader has to manage – product development, production, marketing, social media, sales and associated administration, as well as submitting product for the rigorous certification process.

Eventually Natalie reached a junction, needing to decide on growing the business or keeping it as a hobby business.  She took the step of leaving her full time employment and was accepted into Kōkiri, the business accelerator programme for Māori entrepreneurs.  With encouragement from the course participants and her mentors Natalie then took the step of upscaling her business and outsourcing production.

However the adrenaline buzz new businesses experience in the early days of setting up is, as Natalie found, not sustainable.  For all businesses there comes a plateau point when an analytical eye needs to be cast over the future of the business.  Natalie admits to reaching a crossroads after planned progress did not proceed as intended and resulted in a highly stressful situation. Natalie refers to this as her “long, dark night of the soul” and is something most, if not all, entrepreneurs can relate to!

The support received from the contacts she had made through Kōkiri, and the wider Wellington small business networks gave Natalie the perspective and strength to deal with the problems and continue growing her business.

“I defined what my success looks like and part of that is looking after my hauora and wellbeing.  If I’m feeling healthy and balanced, for me, that’s what my success looks like”

Ahead of the UN World Oceans Day on the 8th June we sat down to have a kōrero with Natalie about the health of our oceans and looking after yourself as a sole trader business.

Want to know more about the importance of our marine environment and how you can take steps to care for it?
Check out some of these resources from Wellington City Libraries collections

Help for Kelp
This winter, baby giant kelp is being planted into Wellington Harbour / Te Whanganui-a-Tara, where great seaweed forests once thrived.  North and South, June 2023 : P 16-17
Accessible through Libby Magazines

The Kelp
Where do young sea creatures spend their first weeks? What’s at the root of oceanic food chains? Kelp forests are to Aotearoa what coral reefs are to other marine ecosystems. Or they used to be.
NZ Geographic Issue 176 Jul-Aug 2022

For further reading on the impact of sunscreen on marine environments search in our range of
Science & technology/Pūtaiao me ngā hangarau databases.

In the Wellington City Libraries book collections you can find the following books on marine life and reefs and

Life on the rocks : building a future for coral reefs / Berwald, Juli
“Coral reefs are a microcosm of our planet: wondrously diverse, deeply interconnected, and critically imperilled. They sustain entire ecosystems and protect vulnerable coasts. But corals across the planet are in the middle of an unprecedented die-off, beset by warming oceans, pollution, human damage, and their own devastating pandemic. Even under stress, they are out-of-this world gorgeous, sending out warning flares in fluorescent bursts of yellow, pink, and indigo. Juli Berwald fell in love with coral reefs as a marine biology student, entranced by their beauty and complexity. While she was concerned by bleaching events and coral disease, she didn’t fully understand what a dead reef meant until she experienced one on a dive: barren, decaying, and coated in slime. Deeply alarmed, she travelled the world desperate to discover how to prevent their loss. Life on the Rocks is a meditative ode to the reefs and the undaunted scientists working to save them against almost impossible odds. Berwald explores what it means to keep fighting a battle that can’t be won, contemplating the inevitable grief of climate change and the beauty of small victories”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Future sea : how to rescue and protect the world’s oceans / Wright, Deborah Rowan
“Rather than continue to focus on discrete, geographically bounded bodies of water, ocean advocate and marine-policy researcher Deborah Wright urges a Plan Sea, which reimagines the oceans as the continuous ecosystem it is, not disconnected buckets of salt and plankton. This book proposes that the global marine environment be protected under the precautionary principle. It argues that the policy framework for such protection already exists — it just needs to be enforced. In a series of case studies, with first-person vignettes woven throughout, Wright encourages us to begin every conversation about ocean policy with the assumption that any extractive or polluting activities in the world’s oceans should require special permission. Her argument invokes the Public Trust Doctrine already embedded in many constitutions, and hinges on the Law of the Sea, which was established by the U.N. in 1982 to protect the “high seas,” or the remote parts of the ocean considered international waters. To some, Wright’s plan may seem idealistic, but its audacity might also be seen as a welcome nudge to our collective imagination. Many scientists are convinced that ocean ecosystems are on the brink of collapse — there’s something to be said, then, for a book that’s radical enough to unlock new thinking about what might be possible, and maybe necessary, in terms of their protection”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Blue new deal : why we need a new politics for the ocean / Armstrong, Chris
“The ocean sustains life on our planet, from absorbing carbon to regulating temperatures, and, as we exhaust the resources to be found on land, it is becoming central to the global market. But today we are facing two urgent challenges at sea: massive environmental destruction, and spiralling inequality in the ocean economy. Chris Armstrong reveals how existing governing institutions are failing to respond to the most pressing problems of our time, arguing that we must do better. Armstrong examines these crises–from the fate of people whose lands will be submerged by sea level rise, to the exploitation of people working in fishing, to the rights of marine animals–and makes the case for a powerful World Ocean Authority capable of tackling them. A Blue New Deal presents a radical manifesto for putting equality, democracy, and sustainability at the heart of ocean politics”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Saving the reef / Lloyd, Rohan
“While in the past Australians wrestled with what the Reef is, today they are struggling to reconcile what it will be… To do this, we need to understand the Reef’s intertwining human story. The Great Barrier Reef has come to dominate Australian imaginations and global environmental politics. In Saving the Reef, environmental historian Rohan Lloyd charts the social history of Australia’s most prized yet vulnerable environment, from the relationship between First Nations peoples and colonial settlers, to the Reef’s most portentous moment – the Save the Reef campaign launched in the 1960s. Through this gripping historical narrative and interwoven contemporary essays, Lloyd reveals how the scale of damage caused to the Reef has forced twenty-first century Australia to reconsider what ‘saving’ the Reef really means.” (Catalogue)

Your life, your planet : what you can do right now / Ebbs, Geoff
“Your Life, Your Planet is the toolkit and the manual that you need to nurture yourself – and the environment that nurtures you. It is full of tips that will help you to reduce your environmental footprint and enjoy a healthier and more satisfying life. A century and more of incredible growth and consumerism has been and is dangerously damaging our environment and has taught us that we ultimately depend on each other and the natural systems that provide our air, water, food, shelter and clothing. Unless we take personal responsibility and look after ourselves, each other and the natural world in a balanced and harmonious manner, the situation has little chance of improving. In order to tackle issues such as carbon emissions, our fossil fuel dependency, plastic and other pollution, and species loss, we need to actively engage with the people and the world around us and address the habitual way we seek convenience and ease. In doing this this, we will not only reduce our environmental footprint, but we will take the first steps toward Cat Greens ideal of converting our homes from centres of rampant consumption to hubs of environmentally friendly production.” (Catalogue)

On the WCL movie streaming platforms Beamafilm and Kanopy (accessible with library registration and login) you will find the following documentaries of interest.

Blue
Duration:  1 h 16 min
Country: Australia
Rating: PG
Year of Release: 2017
Half of all marine life has been lost in the last 40 years. By 2050 there will be more plastic in the sea than fish. The way the ocean operates is different to how we thought of it 100 years ago. We can no longer think of it as a place of limitless resources, a dumping ground, immune to change or decline. BLUE takes us on a provocative journey into the ocean realm, witnessing a critical moment in time when the marine world is on a precipice. Featuring passionate advocates for ocean preservation, BLUE takes us into their world where the story of our changing ocean is unfolding. We meet those who are defending habitats, campaigning for smarter fishing, combating marine pollution and fighting for the protection of keystone species. This feature documentary comes at a time when we are making critical decisions that will decide the legacy we leave for generations to come. BLUE shows us there is a way forward and the time to act is now.

Revolution: The Fight to Save Our Oceans
Released 2015, Duration : 1hr 22min
In this multi-award-winning film, Rob Stewart embarks on a global journey to uncover the grave dangers threatening the world’s oceans — and ultimately, humanity — as well as to learn what it will take to reverse the challenges to life on earth.

From the coral reefs in Papua New Guinea to the rainforests of Madagascar, Stewart’s travels reveal that our fate is tied to even the smallest of creatures. Stunning scenes of underwater sea life bring viewers face to face with sharks and lemurs, into the microscopic world of the pygmy seahorse, and on the hunt with the deadly flamboyant cuttlefish.

The Urban Ocean: Human Impact on Marine Life
2018, Duration : 35min
Our high-tech use of the ocean for food, transportation, and energy has far-reaching effects, particularly on certain species. Focusing on issues from noise pollution to microplastics, we can mitigate our impact to provide better futures for ourselves as well as for marine life. The work begins with understanding the extent of our true impacts.

For a business owner, particularly a sole operator, workloads can be high and burnout a reality.
Check out the resources offered in the following blogs :

Stages of burnout, triggers and warning signs by guest author Jess Stuart and Burnout

Startup Founder Burnout Rates Are Alarmingly High: What’s the Solution?
Startup founders often sacrifice their personal life by working tirelessly in exchange for rewards they hope to reap down the road. Progress in business often comes at a steep cost. The currency with which an entrepreneur pays to grow his or her business is invaluable—sleep, time with loved ones, rest and relaxation, and, eventually, mental and physical health.  In this article, we’ll explain some burnout mitigation strategies and highlight the benefits they can offer to entrepreneurs.

Dark nights of the soul : a guide to finding your way through life’s ordeals / Moore, Thomas
“Thomas Moore explores contemporary anxieties and securities to guide you through life’s ordeals” (Catalogue)

 

 

If you would like more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Talking Ginger beer and Business with Tim Key, Peacock’s Tail

Linda

But listen — if you’re feelin’ dry,
Just see there’s no one near,
And go and wink the other eye
And ask for ginger beer.

This week in our Business blog we acknowledge International gingerbeer day, recognised on 13 March.   We delve into the history of gingerbeer brewing in Wellington City and talk to one of Wellington’s newest ginger beer brewers, Tim Key of The Peacock’s Tail.

Ginger beer – a refreshing beverage resulting from the fermentation of ginger, sugar, yeast and water – is believed to have originated in the Britain around the mid-1700s, taking advantage of the increased trade in goods like sugar and ginger from the Caribbean and India.  Usually it was bottled in sturdy, earthenware bottles that allowed for wide distribution. 

It’s not surprising then, that no sooner had the first Pākehā settlers arrived on the shores of Te-Whanganui-a-Tara and they began using natural springs to brew a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  Gingerbeer was one of the many beverages popular with the new immigrants and the first recorded brewers in the fledgling settlement believed to be John Osborne (Osborne and Co) and John Roots both of whom were documented as being merchants or manufacturers of gingerbeer by 1843.

As the colony grew so too did the number of manufacturers of “aerated waters, cordials and syrups” all of which made up the broader “softdrinks” (ie those without alcohol).  While some businesses flared and died within a short period of time, others became generational and established a solid reputation for product quality and service.

It was these family run operations that sometimes gave some women an opportunity to move into the business world, albeit due to the necessity of needing to support themselves and their families on the untimely death of their husbands.

Colonial life was harsh and Mary Roots took over John’s business following his demise a few years after establishing his business.  Also continuing on, and successfully expanding, the family business was Emma Dixon (Mrs Geo Dixon), following the death of her husband George.    George had in turn earlier taken over the aerated water and ginger beer manufacturing company started by his father Edward (who was ably assisted by wife Catherine) in the mid-1850s.  Other of Edward and Catherine’s offspring either branched out into starting cordial businesses in the Manawatu, Wairarapa or Nelson (for the sons) or, in the case of their daughters, married into manufacturing families.  Emma Dixon eventually sold the business to a competitor company, Bennet and Ready in 1897 and they in turn continued manufacturing softdrinks until 1920.

Around the same time as the Dixon business was established Thomas Cooper, and eventually his son George, ran an aerated water business first in Molesworth Street and then Thorndon Quay, continuing production for over thirty years.

Other names that became brands associated with the brewing of gingerbeer in Wellington included the Strikes who formed numerous companies over a forty year period.

Thomson and Co was a respected business that began in Dunedin, and through partnership, expanded operations into Wellington.  Becoming Thomson and Lewis in the late 1880s,  the company Thomson Lewis and Co. still has registered offices in Ngauranga.  A remnant of Thomson Lewis manufacturing can be found in the well at the entrance to Moore Wilson’s in Te Aro. 

F W Niven & Co. :[Thomson, Lewis & Co., Te Aro House. 1895]. F W Niven & Co. :View of Wellington N Z [ca 1895] from Aurora Terrace. F W Niven & Co. [lith] Ballarat, [Victoria, ca 1895]. Ref: D-002-005-002. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23007862

The big brand international names of Schweppes and Coca-cola moved onto the Wellington softdrink manufacturing scene in the 1930s.  

Ginger beer remained a popular refreshment, particularly with those who abstained from alcoholic drinks, until some time after the Second World War, when popularity began to wane. 

The 1990s saw a resurgence in popularity of the ginger brew as noted in this article in City Voice from July 1995.

Throughout the decades there have been as many as 70 different Wellington gingerbeers.

Tim Key, a musician and self-described Fizz Whizz, and his Peacock’s Tail kawakawa infused gingerbeer are the latest to join the long list of Wellington gingerbeer brewers.

With the increased popularity in fermentation and its health benefits, along with a growing interest in alcohol free drinks we are again seeing a revival in gingerbeer and it was both these things, along with a desire for a less heavily sweetened drink, that led Tim Key to begin experimenting in his kitchen several years ago.

Tim operates his small batch gingerbeer brewing business out of the Vogelmorn Bowling Club community centre,  where he first began offering his product through the on-site cafe before venturing into wider sales via his website.

The name, Peacock’s Tail is, Tim advises a reference to its symbolism in alchemy and in turn the fermentation process the gingerbeer ingredients go through to become the end product.

Using the juice of freshly pressed root ginger, and infusing it with several leaves of kawakawa, Tim has arrived at a brew that is a dry, warming and refreshing addition to the non-alcohol options available locally.

Gingerbeer isn’t Tim’s first venture into beverage production having been involved in the start up of a chai manufacture some years previous.

Assisted by his daughter Ela who oversees the bottle labelling after school,  Tim’s gingerbeer is a unique, 21st century addition to a manufacturing industry that has a long history in Wellington. 

Watch our video as we talk to Tim about making gingerbeer and future plans to grow his business.


If you want to know more, check out some of Wellington City Libraries’ historical resources and some of the books we have that might encourage you to begin your own brewing.

A pictorial guide to collecting New Zealand ginger beers / Baldwin, Bruce
“Lists every New Zealand ginger beer bottle known to date, March 1996″–Pref.” (Catalogue)

  • NB: This item is in the Heritage Collection and is available only for in-library use.

The aerated water and soft drink industry in New Zealand, 1845-1986 / Robson, Peter E. W

  • The origins and early development of the industry –The soft drink industry in New Zealand — Further developments in the industry — The N.Z. Soft Drink Association.
  • NB: This item is in the Heritage Collection and is available only for in-library use.

Capital thirst : Wellington’s soft drink industry 1843-1988 / Fisher Peter

Traces the development Wellington’s softdrink manufacturing industry through bottles.

Better for you : entrepreneurs who broke big soda’s stranglehold on the USA and New Zealand / Lewis, Lisa A.
“In Better for You, Lisa A. Lewis examines the rise of a global healthy drinks market and presents profiles of entrepreneurs who dared to create innovative “better for you” beverages in two distant countries”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

Kombucha & co : tips & recipes to make your own kombucha, kefir, jun, ginger beer, honey mead & more / Evans, Felicity
“Kombucha and other fermented drinks are great for gut health, but they’re expensive to buy and you can’t be sure of the quality. But it’s easy to make your own kombucha when you know how. Fermentation guru Felicity Evans has you covered with step-by-step instructions to make a range of 50 delicious flavours of gut-friendly probiotic drinks, including troubleshooting tips and inspiration for alcohol-free happy hour at home. From kombucha to kefir, ginger beer to honey mead, learn to confidently make your own fermented drinks and transform your health from within.” (Catalogue)

Wild drinks : the new old world of small-batch brews, ferments and infusions / Flynn, Sharon
“Wild Drinks is the definitive book on infusing, brewing and fermenting delicious and often nutritious things to drink, from mead to kombucha to cider to kvass. With the entertaining and assuring voice of fermentation expert Sharon Flynn, it is a perfect jumping off point for anyone who is curious to learn more about this magical and witchy world. Across six chapters, Wild Drinks features more than 60 recipes. Learn the basics of wild fermentation and read about the equipment you need to start your fermentation journey. Discover drinks made from grain, including doburoku (farmhouse sake), wild beer and kvass; explore recipes for wild apple cider, country wine and wild soda; try water kefir, kombucha, ginger beer and fruit vinegars, and come to understand the art of imparting flavour, from shrubs to flavoured waters to syrups and liqueurs. And in the spirit of reducing waste, the final chapter shows how to use fermentation byproducts – ranging from crackers made from sake lees to kimchi pancakes, nettle risotto and Basque cider chicken. Recipes include fascinating historical context and quick tips, and Sharon considers the traditions associated with these ancient fermentation practices too”–Publisher’s description.” (Catalogue)

Probiotic drinks at home : make your own seriously delicious gut-friendly drinks / Evans, Felicity
“Take the next step after green smoothies, with probiotic drinks for gut health. From kombucha to kefir, ginger beer to honey mead – learn to confidently handcraft your own beautiful elixirs and transform your health, one ferment at a time. Fermentation guru Felicity Evans provides step-by-step instructions to make a range of 50 delicious probiotic drinks. Including expert guidelines and troubleshooting tips so that you ll soon be brewing delicious drinks to make your gut happy.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Subscription services

Linda

In 2020 when the world began panic buying toilet paper, our household wondered what all the fuss was about.

Our quarterly delivery of mixed paper products – tissues, toilet paper and paper towels, had just arrived and been stored in the laundry cupboard.  We’ve subscribed to this service (products are made from bamboo and recycled sugar cane with limited packaging) for some years and have found it reliable, flexible and – importantly – we never run out because someone has forgotten to add these regularly used items to the shopping list.

In the past, subscriptions – where you pay a recurring amount at regular intervals for your chosen product or service – were used for publications, gym memberships and not much else.  Some were annual, like a magazine subscription, others monthly or quarterly.  Then came subscription television services, and, as the internet developed, on-demand streaming services started up followed by meal delivery boxes and now the subscription model is being used to sell – and purchase – a wide range of products and services.

Since early 2020, Covid lockdowns and working from home have driven a rise in such services and the article Innovative Subscription Services: Turning a Crisis into a Win looks at how and why the subscription industry took off during lockdowns.

These days you can also arrange for flowers or potplants, coffee, health and beauty products, alcohol, cheese and clothing to be delivered to your door on a weekly, monthly or quarterly cycle.

For a consumer, in a busy world, it’s convenient to have things delivered without leaving home, and for retailers the move into e-commerce has been driven by necessity.  A subscription service, for some, is the basis of their entire business, while for others it’s an addition to their retail models.

For a business, a subscription model allows for less uncertainty and ensures a regulated income stream which in turn assists planning.

The Foliage Studio in Ngaio offers a tiered subscription model for houseplants.  Director Cam says that offering a subscription service “… helps with planning regarding stock and cashflow.”  When setting up the subscription model, used to share the love of houseplants, research went in to what would work best.  Amongst the considerations were the need to offer a variety of products, ensure enough products were in the supply chain, whether the cost of subscriptions covered product costs and also consideration of shipping, packaging and associated costs.  The original model proved a successful formula although “minor tweaks” were made to “delivery schedules and secure packaging options”.  Ongoing benefits to business has been increased exposure to the service from satisfied customers along with a noticeable  increase in store visits.

If, as a business, you are thinking of developing a subscription service, or adding one to your offerings, here’s a reading list to help you decide what may be best.

Not sure if this is the right approach for you?  Then Subscription Model? Is This Really The Best Approach for Me? might be a helpful read.

How Subscription Services Work & Why You Should Use Them claims Subscription services are one of the best things you can do for your ecommerce site and briefly outlines seven reasons for adopting a subscription model.

Another article 6 Most Popular Subscription Services [+Tools They Use to Drive Growth] gives examples of  nine companies it considers to be offering successful models.

Done your research and ready to give it a go?  Have a look at How to start a subscription business : A 2023 guide

If it’s ideas you’re wanting here’s some subscription service ideas that you could either add to an existing business or start up : 53 subscription box gift ideas for every interest and hobby and  The 67 Best Subscription Boxes to Gift for Every Interest

Be aware though that The rising power of subscription services warns :
Adding a subscription service into a new DTC offering is a great strategy, although giving customers the ability to auto-replenish won’t just sell itself. Businesses need to understand their new B2C customers and develop a mutually value-driven relationship.

The Harvard Business Review considers the psychology behind subscription services and looks at some of the main reasons why they fail.

via GIPHY

For more in-depth reading try these two offerings from the Wellington City Library collection.

The automatic customer : creating a subscription business in any industry / Warrillow, John
“How smart companies can use subscriptions to win customers, increase cash flow, and ignite growth What do Zipcar, Netflix, and WhatsApp have in common? They are pioneers of the new subscription economy in which people pay automatically for much more than publications. John Warrillow, the acclaimed author of Built to Sell, offers a blueprint for winning subscribers for any kind of business. He explains, for instance, – The nine different subscription models and how to apply each in your business. – How Dollar Shave Club turned shaving into a subscription. – The secret psychology of selling a subscription. – The eight reasons why customers stop subscribing. Whether business owners want to transform their entire model into a recurring revenue engine or just pick up an extra 5 percent of automatic sales, they will find great insights and examples in Warrillow’s book”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Subscribed : why the subscription model will be your company’s future – and what to do about it / Tzuo, Tien
“Companies like Netflix, Spotify, and Salesforce are just the tip of the iceberg for the subscription model. The real transformation–and the real opportunity–is just beginning”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

 

 

The membership economy : find your superusers, master the forever transaction, and build recurring revenue / Baxter, Robbie Kellman
“The membership business models of Netflix, ZipCar, and other industry giants revealed–and how you can use them to lead your company to the top of the food chain For decades, consumers and businesses have joined clubs, bought products and accessed services using a subscription model. But it has only been in recent years that the model has been perfected. Join Today shows how nimble companies that have developed a Membership Model are thriving. Companies including those that rent, lend or offer unlimited or premium access instead of just ownership, have the opportunity to leapfrog industry leaders. In terms of strategic business models, this is one that allows for breakthrough growth. The book also explores how industry leaders like AmEx, Uber, Weight Watchers, and Salesforce.com are radically rethinking how they provide value to their customers.” (Catalogue)

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Side hustles

Linda

Have you considered a side hustle as an extra income generating stream?

A side hustle is defined as a way to make money alongside one’s main form of income or employment.

A side hustle can be an entrepreneurial way to test a business idea on a small scale without giving up the security of your day job. Then, if it looks like it’s going to work out, you can transition more easily to a client base that is already partially established.

What kind of things can you do as a side hustle, whether to develop a business or just earn a bit of extra cash?

Within the WCL audiobook collection best selling author Chris Guillebeau presents an ideabook featuring 100 stories of regular people launching successful side businesses that almost anyone can do.  Check out : 

100 side hustles : unexpected ideas for making extra money without quitting your day job / Guillebeau, Chris
“… This unique guide features the startup stories of regular people launching side businesses that almost anyone can do: an urban tour guide, an artist inspired by maps, a travel site founder, an ice pop maker, a confetti photographer, a group of friends who sell hammocks to support local economies, and many more. In 100 Side Hustles , best-selling author of The $100 Startup Chris Guillebeau presents an “idea book” filled with inspiration for your next big idea. Distilled from Guillebeau’s popular Side Hustle School podcast, these case studies feature teachers, artists, coders, and even entire families who’ve found ways to create new sources of income. With insights and takeaways that reveal the human element behind the hustles, this playbook covers every important step of launching a side hustle, from identifying underserved markets to crafting unique products and services that spring from your passions. Soon you’ll find yourself joining the ranks of these innovative entrepreneurs—making money on the side while living your best life.” (Catalogue)

Although American in focus this article from Entrepreneur distils this idea further into a list of  50 profitable side hustle ideas while Moneyhub narrows down the 50 to a list of 8 profitable side hustles they consider suitable for New Zealand.

So now you have an idea – how do you develop it?  WCL have a number of resources to assist.  Amongst the resources are books in both hard copy and audiobook format also by Chris Guillebeau.

Side hustle : from idea to income in 27 days / Guillebeau, Chris
“For some people, the thought of quitting their day job to strike out on their own as an entrepreneur is exhilarating. For many others, it’s terrifying. After all, a stable job that delivers a regular paycheck is a blessing. And not everyone has the means–or the desire–to take on the risks and responsibilities of working for themselves. But what if we could quickly and easily create an additional stream of income without giving up the security of a full-time job? Enter the side hustle. Chris Guillebeau is no stranger to this world, having launched more than a dozen side hustles over his career. Here he offers a step-by-step guide that takes you from idea to income in just 27 days. Designed for the busy and impatient, this detailed road map will show you how to select, launch, refine, and make money from your side hustle in under a month. You’ll learn how to: brainstorm, borrow, and steal to build an arsenal of great side hustle ideas (Day 3); apply “Tinder for Side Hustle” logic to pick the best idea at any time (Day 6); learn, gather, or create everything you need to launch your hustle, then set up a real-life way to get paid for it (Days 13-14); start raking in the money by channeling your inner Girl Scout (Day 18); master the art of deals, discounts, and special offers (Day 21); raise your game: improve, expand, or make more money off your hustle (Days 24-26). A side hustle is more than just another stream of income; it’s also the new job security. When you receive paychecks from different sources, it allows you to take more chances in your “regular” career. More income means more options. More options equal freedom. You don’t need entrepreneurial experience to launch a profitable side hustle. You don’t have to have an MBA, or know how to code, or be an expert marketer. You don’t need employees or investors. With Chris as a guide, anyone can make more money, pursue a passion, and enjoy greater security–without quitting their day job.”–Jacket.” (Catalogue)

Also in hardcopy is Bec Evans’  How to have a happy hustle : the complete guide to making your ideas happen

How to have a happy hustle : the complete guide to making your ideas happen / Evans, Bec
“How to Have a Happy Hustle shares the secrets of innovation experts and startup founders to help you make your ideas happen. If you’re looking for fulfilment outside the day job, have an idea but don’t know where to start, or are held back by a lack of confidence, experience, time or money, Bec Evans will help you get off the starting blocks with this complete guide to making your ideas happen. There’s no getting away from it – hustling is hard work – but with practical tools, inspiring stories, science-backed research and guidance every step of the way, you’ll find what makes you happy as you build your side hustle.” — Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

If it’s taking it to the next level that interests you,  Susie Moore asks and answers the question  What if it does work out? : how a side hustle can change your life

What if it does work out? : how a side hustle can change your life / Moore, Susie
“In What If It Does Work Out? life coach and professional side-hustler Susie Moore offers expert tips and guidance to help you earn an extra source of income by doing something you love. In her energetic and encouraging style, she guides you through all of the planning stages and potential obstacles, showing how to overcome any hesitation or fear, create multiple revenue streams, and more. Susie also presents inspiring stories from fellow side hustle successes, including the founders of Spanx and MindBodyGreen. Recommended by Entrepreneur magazine as a book “entrepreneurs must read to dominate their industry,” What If It Does Work Out? features all you need to take the practical steps toward living the life of your dreams”–Amazon.com.” (Catalogue)

Finally The Side Hustle Show offers a series of podcasts across a range of related topics and Side Hustle School also provides daily podcasts.

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library.  We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources.  All enquiries are treated in confidence.

Pricing your services

Linda

When setting up my business in 2007 one of the hardest things to work out was what and how to charge clients.
I had a proven idea, a targeted customer base but what were they prepared to pay?

Taking in to consideration overheads, outlays, and what my knowledge of my client base indicated they were prepared to pay I finally settled on a fee structure which people seemed happy with.

There was no set formula for arriving at the price which is what made it so difficult.

The resources below have been compiled to assist you through the process of coming up with a price to charge for your products or services.

In The key to charging what you’re really worth business strategist Andrew Griffiths delves into the reasons why business owners fail to charge what their products or services are really worth.

Marketing strategist, Rachel Klaver discusses why you should charge for your services in a manner that is sustainable and profitable in her article Pricing right will help you make more impact
” … a business that has healthy cash flow and an owner who is paying themselves can provide stable employment, have more consistent giving, and can make decisions based on best practices rather than “what we can afford”

Related to this is her article Marketing can kill your business if your pricing is all wrong.  In it Klaver says :  It’s really important to start by working out your true costs, including what it’s going to take to pay yourself.

Pricing expert Natalie Coombe offers a series of informative blog posts on her website, including How much does it really cost to run a business and How to stop giving your time and value away. 

Mark Peacock, a UK based Price Coach, offers a series of video and podcasts on the resources section of his website.
 
Linkedin learning offers a range of video courses on price setting and valuing services.  Just use your library registration to sign in and then enter pricing into the search box.

Finally, from the Library book collection there is :

Smarter pricing : how to capture more value in your market / Cram, Tony
“Are your prices too low? Some of your customers would pay more, and there are times and places where you could charge more. Of course none of your customers will tell you this, as competitors tempt them with promises of lower prices and the media trains them to be bargain-hunters. All this price pressure is one way – downwards. This book will help you to move your customers and your business in the other direction – upwards. It’s all about commanding the right price, and the right price is, more than you would imagine possible, a higher one. This is Smarter Pricing, and these are the rules of commanding a higher price and capturing more value.” (Catalogue)

And available as an e-book from Overdrive :

Pricing for Profit : How to Develop a Powerful Pricing Strategy for Your Business

Price is the most significant factor affecting the profitability of every business, profit centre or department. When the pressure is on to perform or grow, your instinct may be to discount, undercut your competitors, cut costs and promote through price. Yet these are often the last things you should do. Pricing for Profit is the most practical guide on pricing available. Using a firm, profit-focused framework developed running real projects for real businesses, this book shows you how by getting your pricing structures right you can make a huge difference to your bottom line. It gives business owners, managers and leaders simple, achievable pricing strategies that will deliver sustainable business growth. Can you afford to leave money on the table? If not, Pricing for Profit is the guide for you.

If you need more information please contact the Prosearch team at the library. We can help you find information across a range of perspectives and resources. All enquiries are treated in confidence.