The Real Solutions Business Podcast

Everyone is searching for the perfect work / life balance. Is it possible that Christchurch landscape architect Tony Milne has discovered the secret?  Amongst other workplace initiatives, Tony has instituted a 'Four Day Work Week' at his company, Rough and Milne . In this episode, Brad McDonald and Tony Milne discuss: - Getting staff to buy-in to changes in the workplace; - The benefits of re...

Employees can be the biggest asset to your business, as well as one of the biggest sources of risk. Following on from Brad McDonald's discussion with solicitor James Hobcraft about 'What to do with a bad employee' in episode 5 , in this episode, Brad asks company director of Heat Pumps NOW, Blair Ashdowne about his real world experiences. Blair has been running Heat Pumps NOW in Christchurch since...

Where will your business be in three months? How about 6 months? What will your business look like this time next year?  Partner at Godfreys Law, Brad McDonald discusses with Chartered Accountant and Principal and PKF Goldsmith Fox, Dorian Crighton the importance of creating, following and implementing a strategic plan for your business, including: - What should be included in a strategic pla...

Real People, Real Solutions. If you're in business, there's a good chance you've heard of SEO. Probably because you have received a number of unsolicited emails and phone calls from 'marketers' with big claims about how they can transform your business with an SEO review. The question remains, what is SEO? Partner at Godfreys Law, Brad McDonald discusses all things SEO with Client Services Executi...

Real People, Real Solutions. If you're in business, and you don't have a website, what are you doing? Another question worth asking is, when did you last update your website? Does it still reflect where your business is now? Partner at Godfreys Law, Brad McDonald discusses with marketer Cameron Taylor of Inform PR the questions you need to ask your web designer or web developer before you start, i...

Real People, Real Solutions. Employment is a relationship, and it's sad to say that relationship breaks down at times. There is a very strict process that needs to be followed before an employer can dismiss someone, and yet time and time again we read of stories in the media of people being fired at the drop of a hat. Partner at Godfreys Law, Brad McDonald discusses with Solicitor James Hobcraft t...

Real People, Real Solutions. As lockdown restrictions began around New Zealand, many business owners saw the future of online shopping. How can you keep selling your goods and staying in business if people aren't able to come to you? Many traditional 'brick and mortar' stores are now looking at adding an online-wing to reach new people, or to be where their customers are looking. Partner at Godfre...

Real People, Real Solutions. Having an online presence is considered a must if you want to do business in this day and age. But what do you need to do and where do you need to be? Partner at Godfreys Law, Brad McDonald discusses social media do's and don'ts with communications and marketing consultant Cameron Taylor from Inform PR. - Why not being on social media is like winking in a nightclub; -...

Real People, Real Solutions. In order to succeed, businesses need strong leadership. People making day-to-day decisions within the business, as well as people providing bigger picture guidance about the direction the business is taking. Partner at Godfreys Law, Brad McDonald discusses with Associate James Hobcraft the roles and responsibilities, as well as potential pitfalls of being a shareholder...

Real People, Real Solutions. It's exciting when your business grows to a point where you need to hire someone else. But, taking on an employee is a massive commitment, with even bigger consequences if there are difficulties in the employment relationship. Partner at Godfreys Law, Brad McDonald shares his expertise around employment agreements. - Why you need them; - What needs to be in them; and -...