Column: Harness the power of passion

In business, we know to value our assets, our clients, our staff and our cashflow. But what about the value of our personal passion?
We have a huge resource of passionate people involved in the tourism industry in Rotorua. Several of our major tourism operations have second- and third-generation family members involved. Te Puia and Whakarewarewa Thermal Village can even boast up to six generations that have worked in the same place.
Other attractions, such as the Buried Village, Agrodome, Paradise Valley Springs, Tamaki, Waiotapu, Polynesian Spa, Waimangu and Mitai Maori Village, are among others with strong family connections.
This creates a unique environment in which visitors can hear the stories of Rotorua and our recent history, directly from those who have been a part of its creation. Personal stories help form special memories for visitors to take with them and share with their own friends and family, creating even more desire for future visits.
Businesses that have such a high level of personal investment, over and above their financial commitment, are often the ones that ride out the down times more successfully.
With more than dollars at stake, they'll never consider cashing up or closing down as options. Any strategies they have will not only be about how to ride out the current economic conditions, but also planning for the recovery and beyond that.
Chances are, these are the businesses that will come through best and be ready to maximise the upswing of the economy when it does happen.
These are also the businesses that understand the value of long-standing relationships and loyalty - with their clients, suppliers and even competitors. You'll see them joining forces to make the best use of their resources, when packaging their products and in their promotions and advertising.
Passion in the workplace is not a skill we can learn. It is very personal and can only be achieved by those who take pleasure from the roles they are in. People who enjoy what they do are responsible for creating enjoyable experiences.
Regular readers of travel blogs can attest to how often the people met along the way become part of the experience.
If true wealth for a community could be measured by the number of passionate people within it, then I think that Rotorua would have to be top. We have an award-winning, beautiful city, complemented by passionate, beautiful people - something we can be proud of.
These stakeholders have made a huge investment in our city, one that goes far beyond dollars and which we will all continue to benefit from.
- Kay Clarke is managing director of Stay and Play Rotorua Ltd, providing promotional and representation services to local businesses