I have heard from various sources that many new businesses starting in New Zealand tend to fail within the first 24 months of operation. I see it in the local newspapers, social media and various meetings – startups that fail and usually the reasons why.  However, there are a lot of businesses who have made it past that milestone in their existence.  For every one that makes it, I'm sure they're many that have crashed and burned for one reason or another.  It might have been for various reason – Cashflow, poor planning, lack of market differentiation or general lack of effort.

Whatever it is that differentiates the success stories from those that didn't make it – it is not always in our control.  I cannot say what has allowed us not to join the list of failed businesses, but what I can say is that although it hasn't been easy and there were many sleepless nights, I can honestly look back over the past five years and be very thankful, extremely thankful.  Whether it was "just being in the right place at the right time" kind of thing, working tirelessly to convince someone to come on board with us, the great people I have chosen to surround me or was it just sheer luck, the past five years have been a whirlwind and I grateful.  I would like to take this opportunity to remember all those tough lessons, fun times, and fantastic people that have helped my business grow.

Success isn't just given to everyone who wishes for it, so I know just how fortunate I am to be able to celebrate five years of being in business.  I owe a debt of gratitude to a lot of people.  My family, friends, clients, collaborators and now my team!!!!  - you all ROCK!!  You guys are not just a blip or a distant memory – you are the ones that I think about daily while I am happily working.  So, a huge thank you and please know that you have impacted me and the business in many ways – Where to I begin to explain.

I am often asked where the name "KONNECT KONCEPTS" came from – sweet and simple, my partner Detlef came up with it – replacing the "C" with "K" gave it that European flavour.   Konnect Koncepts – connecting businesses with concepts.  Our original platform has changed so much over the past five years.  When I started, I had a small operation, working for a couple of clients providing outsourced recruitment and process management. Since then, we have evolved and now include various business processes that benefit our growing client base.  We didn't care about industry awards, flash buildings, state of the art tools – our focus was and is always working hard for our clients.

Time flies when you are having fun, even when you are working your butt off all hours of the day and night.  When you love what you are doing and are passionate about it – then I guess I don’t see it as work. 

Where to from here?  The team and I are preparing for our 6th year, and while it has been hectic for us and everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic, we hold our heads high and move forward.  No doubt there are many more lessons to be learnt and probably more trial and errors to be made – but onward we go.

Now that New Zealand is at Level 1,  we will organise a celebration of our achievements to date, maybe something more than a few cold ones in front of the whiteboard.

Happy five years Konnect Koncepts.  Cheers.