At a veterinarians' conference at which I was keynote speaker, another speaker made quite an outstanding point. They had discovered their vet practice earned at least 75 per cent of their annual income through across-the-counter sales. Less than 25 per cent of their income came from the actual treating of animals.
The presenter later confirmed they had the appropriate vet qualifications regarding animal science and all the appropriate professional accreditation and vet clinic business practice requirements but when I asked how much training they did in selling product across the counter their reply was - none. In other words, more than 75 per cent of their business was based on an activity for which they had done no training or qualifications.
The figures might even out more if a survey of other vets was carried out as everyone has their individual business model but it started me thinking.
If people choose their hairdresser based on how well they cut hair but more so on how well they communicate or "get on" with them, how much training do hairdressers receive in what I will term "communication methodology"? If people choose their car salesperson, lawyer, counsellor or school based more on integrity, how much staff training or branding focuses on integrity?
Herein lies a dilemma for Maori. We are taught the kumara does not speak about how sweet it is. We are told it's not right to be proud of our accomplishments, to stay below the radar and make sure we do not become a tall poppy. We are told to avoid the media so we're not seen as show-offs. In other words, the media does not get to hear about 75 per cent of the successes achieved by Maori. Our biggest strength - being humble and unseen - can also be our biggest weakness.
