Nothing inspires us at Rocketspark like our clients. Why? Because they’re a bunch of winners—officially! Following on from the success of our client Rob May Builders in taking out the supreme award last year, a huge number of our clients were recognised at this year’s Waipa Networks Business Awards.
The Awards, put on by the Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Raglan Chambers of Commerce, honour the best businesses in the Waipa and Raglan regions in our home base in New Zealand. Longtime Rocketspark customers CSC Buying Group took home two honours, receiving a Highly Commended in the “Small Business” category and winning the “Sustainability and Community Contribution” award. Also garnering double accolades was Loulou’s Hair and Beauty with a Highly Commended in the “Medium Business” category and winning the “Cambridge Customer Service” award. Cambridge Café Paddock took out the top prize for the “Large Business” category and was nominated for the “Digital Strategy and Implementation” award.
Aside from sponsoring the event itself, Rocketspark also sponsors the “Excellence in Business - Sole Trader/Partnership” award, both placings for which went to Rocketspark clients, with Second Floor Yoga Studio (a.k.a., Balance Yoga) winning the Award and RV Living getting the nod for Highly Commended as well as being nominated for the “Digital Strategy” award. (Note: this and all other awards are judged by the Waikato University Management School—not us!). Our clientele were also well-represented in the “New and Emerging” category, with The Kiwi Cookie Company and The Good PA receiving nominations, and HUS walking away with the Highly Commended award.
And it wasn’t just our clients being feted; our very own Greg Wallace got the gong for “Emerging Business Leader of the Year” in recognition of his involvement and leadership here at Rocketspark, in the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, and with Raleigh Street Christian Centre. The judges made special mention of the fact that he is “known for his integrity and is always an example of honesty and authenticity”, though Greg is quick to deflect any praise. “It’s a funny thing: an individual award for a team effort,” says Greg. “So many other people have been influences and inspiration. They deserve a part in this award too.” Like his (many) Kiwi sporting idols, he’s not the sort to make a big fuss about himself...so we’ll do it for him. Nice work, Greg!
So what’s the secret of these businesses’ success? To paraphrase Colin Powell, there is no secret to success—just hard work. All these champion businesses put a lot of time, effort and energy into what they do, including their websites. The fact they each have a strong online presence is indicative of the care and attention they give to all facets of their business. There are no shortcuts; just ol’ fashioned elbow grease. So, to this year’s honorees, we want to give a big “GOOD ON YA!”
We reckon success is contagious. If you’re anything like us, you’ll be feeling inspired by these businesses and motivated to work extra hard. If so, we look forward to seeing you at next year’s Awards.
