Innovation, collaboration key to business success

Like most people I don't particularly enjoy being proved wrong; however last week it was a relief and pleasure when things didn't pan out as expected.

My concern began when I asked how plans were going for our Business After 5 networking event, held first Wednesday of every month, and was told Ignition's team were departing from the conventional BA5 format.

They planned to break the 120 members into groups, identify a challenge for each, and brainstorm solutions for 20 minutes. I thought, "Oh crikey, this is never going to work."

Our normal format is to welcome everyone, hand over to the presenter to talk about their business or organisation for 20 minutes, then general networking continues until about 7pm. I really didn't think anyone would enjoy being stuck into groups and encouraged to tell other people what their "challenges" were.

At heart I am a bit of a worrier, so it was with some trepidation I walked up the stairs from Grey St to Ignition's space. After welcoming the crowd and reiterating our great relationship with Priority One, and their success in establishing the concept of co-location for start ups, I handed over to Jo Allum, creative director of Yojo Design, who represented Ignition members for the evening.

She told the audience about the philosophy of the co-working space and its tenets, which are to collaborate, share successes and struggles together.

Then, when she started explaining how the evening's event was going to provide a taste of what it's like to collaborate in the same way, I took a deep breath and expected a stampede for the door.

But, no. In true collaborative manner the members moved into their allocated areas and, ably led by Ignition's facilitators, started the exercise.

As I wandered from group to group I was struck by how intent and respectful everyone was.

There was absolutely no reluctance to share issues, and it was wonderful to see people with different skills and experience offering each other solutions.

I took particular pleasure in seeing newer businesspeople coming up with original, social media and digital solutions to boost more mature members' revenue. Conversely the "older heads" sharing wisdom learned in the University of Life were proving just as valuable.

Thirty minutes went by and everyone remained absorbed in earnest conversation. After 45 minutes, the groups finished off and Ignitions team documented solutions for distribution to the participants.

Then, as people began getting ready to leave, several members congratulated me on a really great evening. I felt like a bit of a fraud because I had thought it wouldn't work, so I joined Jo, congratulated her and fellow Ignition members on a very successful evening, and explained how worried I had been.

I told her I was wrong and they were right, and good on them! They had taught me a valuable lesson about making assumptions about my customers, and how collaboration is such a powerful force.

I come from a generation where we admire the rugged individual who takes on the world against competitors, and forges entrepreneurial success alone.

But, to quote another of my generation, Bob Dylan, "the times, they are a changing." His lesson is if we don't change as quickly as the environment (and people) around us we will get left behind. So, thank you Ignition - you taught me, and some of my contemporaries, there is always a better way to do things. We must embrace innovation - especially when it takes us out of our comfort zone.

Tauranga has many great success stories about our innovative new "young" businesses and businesspeople. Along with those new businesses at Ignition we also find regular inspiration among the entrants to Young Enterprise Scheme, Rocket!, Young Professionals Forum, Young Innovators Awards, and those in the Young Professionals, Young Leaders Forum and Instep groups.

We, the established business community, must embrace them now. For they, their new ideas and methods, are our future. They are the ones who'll ensure Tauranga continues to thrive.

Max Mason is chief executive of Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, which provides networking and support services for local businesses. He can be contacted on email: max@tauranga.org.nz or phone: (07) 577 9823