Season 1 of Beyond the Transaction comes to a close! In this special finale episode, we revisit some of the incredible stories and insightful lessons shared by our amazing guests. As we prepare for a short hiatus, we explore some thought-provoking questions and answers that highlight the key themes of our podcast series.

From branding and marketing to creating unforgettable customer experiences, this episode is a heartfelt thank you to our loyal listeners and a promise of more exciting content to come. We highlight the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship, delve into the secrets of building a thriving online presence, and reflect on key takeaways from conversations with Karolina Konarkowska of Richards Partners (Episode 1), Amber Basalaj of Basalaj Beauty (Episode 10), and Jess Owen of Just Jess Boujee Bakery (Episode 7).

Join us as we celebrate the successes, embrace the challenges, and ponder thought-provoking questions that propel small businesses forward. We'll be back soon with even more stories and insights from the world of entrepreneurship and business. Until then, enjoy this final episode of Season 1, get connected with Skyzer on all social platforms, and stay tuned for our return!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Angela Gill from Payments NZ as we explore how you can actively shape the future of payments. Discover the impact of initiatives like open banking, fostering innovation, and collaboration within the payments ecosystem. Learn how small businesses can play a crucial role in driving change and ensuring a seamless payments experience for all.

Keep up with Payments NZ's work, get the latest updates, and find out how you can join the industry conversation at paymentsnz.co.nz - or connect with Payments NZ on LinkedIn. And don't forget to mark your calendars for Aotearoa New Zealand's biennial payments conference, The Point 2024, in Auckland on 19 and 20 November!

www.paymentsnz.co.nz

www.linkedin.com/company/payments-nz-ltd

Entrepreneurship, empowerment, and the power of human connection - an episode you don’t want to miss.

Join us as we chat with Amber Basalaj and learn about her journey in creating her cosmetic brand, Basalaj Beauty.

Amber offers insights into the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned in building a brand from the ground up. From failing at social media and investing in billboards early on, to developing high-quality products and an unapologetic brand without compromising her vision or passion.

Throughout Amber’s journey she recounts the importance of authenticity, resilience, and creativity showcasing how there can be diverse pathways to success.

We thrive in highlighting the personal stories and strategies of individuals who have ventured beyond conventional boundaries to make their passion a reality.

This conversation embodies the overarching theme of Beyond the Transaction series - focusing on delving deeper into the human stories behind entrepreneurs and business ventures right here in Aotearoa.

Be sure to follow Basalaj Beauty and its meteoric rise in the beauty industry, not only in New Zealand but expanding globally with its paramount partnership with Sephora beginning 17th April 2024.

@basalajbeauty

@sephoranz

@breastcancercure

We delve into the intricacies of infusing personal stories and values into branding, emphasising authenticity in marketing and the power of genuine connections. Through partnerships, global reach, and innovative marketing strategies, Amber demonstrates the transformative potential of resilience, creativity, and authenticity in business growth. From building partnerships with global giants like Sephora to championing local businesses in New Zealand, Amber's journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark in the beauty industry and beyond.

Pat McCammon, a seasoned navigator in the world of payments, discusses the nuances of navigating the dynamic terrain of payments and explores the challenges and opportunities that small to medium businesses face. He provides insights into consumer perspectives on payments and breaks down different categories of payment methods. Pat also touches on compliance and regulations in the payments industry, emphasising the importance of protecting consumers while allowing for innovation. He advises business owners to carefully choose their payment providers, considering factors such as transparency, reliability, and customer experience. Finally, Pat highlights upcoming innovations in digital payments and encourages retailers to stay ahead by understanding consumer demands and adopting new technologies.

In this episode, Pat shares three key recommendations for choosing the right payment provider:

1. Transparency The importance of transparency reveals itself when it comes to fees associated with different forms of acceptance, such as "12 months free" schemes and understanding their offering of merchant services fees. He advises business owners to thoroughly question and understand these fees from their potential provider. If the intended provider is cagey or purposefully inconspicuous, might not be the right fit for your business.
2. Reliability Another crucial factor is the reliability of the payment provider. Not only is their offering (Network and Hardware) reliable, but moreover when things go wrong, how is their responsiveness. Pat suggests selecting a provider with a strong service level agreement (SLA) to ensure uninterrupted transactions and minimal downtime.
3. Customer Journey Enhancement Lastly, Pat highlights the significance of enhancing the customer journey. He suggests that successful retailers choose providers who offer terminals designed to streamline the checkout process and improve overall customer experience.

4. 
   

Pat's got the secrets to deciphering fees, avoiding surcharging misunderstandings, and why those "free" eftpos terminals might not be so liberating after all. So, join us, settle in, and get ready to navigate the payments industry confidently.

For more information about surcharging, merchant services fees, costs and other considerations, check out our articles below:

https://www.skyzer.co.nz/getting-started-with-eftpos-costs-and-considerations/

https://www.skyzer.co.nz/merchantnumber/

https://www.skyzer.co.nz/surcharges/

https://www.skyzer.co.nz/small-business-guide/

https://www.skyzer.co.nz/five-tips-to-create-a-smooth-customer-experience/

https://www.skyzer.co.nz/warranty/

Join on another episode featuring a conversation with the multi-talented ⁠Josh Edmonds⁠. This episode explores the dynamic intersection of passion, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Discover how Josh's journey from photography to music production to owning his own studio (⁠Ambian Studios⁠) mirrors the themes we often explore on Beyond the Transaction, namely of embracing unexpected turns and adaptability.

The episode delves into the delicate balance between passion and business, a topic central to many entrepreneurial ventures. Josh reflects on the evolution of his relationship with music, paralleling the theme of how passions transform over time. His insights provide a unique perspective on maintaining the spark that initially fueled the entrepreneurial flame.

As the conversation unfolds, his experiences emphasise the importance of a supportive network, taking calculated risks, and the transformative power of commitment. These insights echo the themes we often explore on Beyond the Transaction, embodying the human side of entrepreneurship.

In a thought-provoking conclusion, the episode looks beyond mere transactions to explore the human experiences and personal growth that entrepreneurship entails.

Join for a conversation that not only touches on the intricacies of the music industry but also resonates deeply with Beyond the Transaction's exploration of passion, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit.

We continue to unravel the narratives behind successful businesses. In this candid conversation, Jess Owen, the dynamic force behind Just Jess Boujee Bakery, joins us to share her compelling trajectory from turning her small home kitchen to a successful bakery evolving into its pink presence with storefronts and pop-ups. We delve into the challenges, unique branding choices, and the intersection of creativity and business in this episode. Emphasising that success in business goes beyond mere transactions—it involves creativity, brand building, community engagement, and the ability to navigate challenges.

Jess kicks off by narrating her entrepreneurial genesis, revealing the nerve-wracking yet liberating decision to leave her sales job and channel her savings into baking. The conversation touches on the early challenges and the art of unveiling a business idea to the world.

Social media emerges as a powerful ally as Jess discusses the pivotal role it played in shaping her brand. From Instagram stories to engaging content, discover the strategic elements that fueled the growth of Just Jess Boujee Bakery.

We delve into the hurdles faced by Jess, exploring the unexpected twists in her entrepreneurial journey. We underscore the significance of prioritising mental well-being and the lessons learned from unforeseen challenges.

As we peer into the future, Jess unravels her approach to business decisions, touching on the delicate balance between creativity, brand identity, and functionality.

Uncover Jess's philosophy on the delicate dance between beauty and functionality. Learn about her fluid time management approach and the essence of building meaningful relationships with the audience.

Jess leaves us with reflections on the significance of caring about details in business, building relationships with online followers, and an invitation to join the Just Jess Boujee Bakery community.

Jess's story is more than a business journey; it's an exploration of creativity, resilience, and the art of turning dreams into reality.

Read more about the conversation on Skyzer's website.

In this episode we chat with Adam Bryce, a seasoned creative director and consultant, shedding light on his diverse global career. Adam reflects on his journey, shares details about his friendship with Virgil Abloh, and chats about how local New Zealand businesses can use creativity to drive commercial success. As he reflects on his creative journey, we discuss how each project contributes to his creative evolution and emphasises the importance of knowledge and problem-solving.

This episode delves into Adam's most recent local venture, "New Projects - Everyday Foundations," where we explore the complexities, considerations, and the power of branding your business. Adam's insights highlight the practical aspects of navigating a new business venture, from tackling logistical issues to recognising the interplay between global trends and local authenticity.

Join us for a candid conversation that goes beyond the transaction, offering valuable perspectives on the beauty and function that underpin successful creative ventures.

Are your colours accurately representing the essence of your brand? In this episode, we touch upon colour theory and its profound impact on customer experience. We cover the basics in the psychology of colours, exploring the influence of hues like pink, purple, white, blue, teal, yellow, and red have on branding, design, and the overall customer experience.

From tranquility to luxury to clean aesthetic, we discuss how some brands meticulously design their physical spaces. Whether it's the warm hues in Whittakers’ packaging, or the earthy, natural ambiance of an Icebreaker store - learn how interior design contributes to the overall brand experience.

Give a listen, and explore an entry level overview of colour theory and interior design. Discover how the smallest details can evoke emotions, shape your brand's narrative and leave an indelible mark on your customers.