Business Link Pacific LIVE from Xerocon 2019 in Brisbane
Sixty percent of Pacific Islanders are now connected to the internet, allowing a booming service industry that extends from traditional tourism to knowledge-based sectors, such as business advisory services.
Business Link Pacific enables both business advisory service providers and small and medium size businesses to leverage technology at the level that matters to them. From undergoing full digital transformations to the use of apps, technology is improving the operations of businesses supported by BLP.
Last week we travelled to Brisbane to attend XeroCon 2019, hosted by Xero, a multi-day accounting technology conference attended by the world leaders in cloud accounting. XeroCon is aimed at inspiring a new generation of bookkeepers and accountants and showcasing the latest in cloud solutions. It’s the must-attend event of the year for accounting professionals.
BLP’s partnership with Xero has enabled over 100 small businesses in the Pacific Islands to adopt cloud-based accounting, improving compliance and business management.
In anticipation of XeroCon we ran a special competition with our business advisory network, to compete for a chance to win a ticket to the event. The four winners of the competition joined BLP Head of Communications & Impact, Sandra Mendez at the event, and proceeded to have the ultimate XeroCon experience.
“As one would expect, XeroCon is a celebration of innovation and business success. However, it was also a space to look inwards, replenish and connect with the Xero Whānau. BLP and Xero have in common a view of success that is centred on human wellbeing and community. Technology must make life easier for the people behind the business and businesses must support the sustainable development of communities,”
Sandra Mendez, BLP Head of Communications & Impact
Below is a compilation of the impressions Xerocon imprinted on the winners and a short mention of the speakers that broke the mould.
Xerocon competition winner, Serah Tikili Nigintz from Kuna Taberia Kiruwi (KTK) Accountants & Advisors in Papua New Guinea gained invaluable insight from her time at the event:
“Thank you for giving me a free ticket to attend the Xerocon 2019 in Brisbane. This is my 2nd time to attend Xerocon and I think it keeps getting better every year. Xerocon has provided a great opportunity for me to network. I have always thought that it wasn’t necessary to network with competitors/peers (fellow accountants) as they would discover your competitive advantage and would limit one’s success.
However, after attending Breakout sessions, I have come to realize that networking is actually the opposite of what I’ve always thought. Competitors and peers can actually become valuable resources for referrals and best practices. I’m looking forward to going back to my workplace and putting into practice what I have learnt with peers and competitors. Thank you BLP for your continuous support in all we do.”
Keynote speaker Steve Vamos, Chief Executive Officer of Xero, opened the event by sharing how Xero is thinking differently about how technology can be a force for good in communities around the world. Steve believes that with an entire community behind you, anything is possible. He explained how the company is investing and driving enhancements to improve the quality of life for small business owners and the Xero community around the world.
Day One left a big impression on Xerocon Competition winner Danniealla Paraka, as she describes it,
“I walked into the Exhibition Centre and I was so amazed with the set up and the staff and everyone I met during that first hour before the opening, and in my mind I was thinking wow this is soooo amazing, and for sure I will be learning a lot from here.
The main point that I would want to take back home is ‘Never back down, always look forward, despite any circumstances I need to have positive vibes at all times.’ The speakers were very inspiring and from their lessons in life I feel their stories motivated me and everyone that attended the Conference. From a business perspective the two main points I will take home are: Develop more networks with Clients, involve myself with referral Partners.
Lastly, thank you BLP for the opportunity to attend XeroCon2019 and looking forward for more essays to write to win a free ticket again.”
Danniealla Paraka, Kuna Taberia Kiruwi (KTK) Accountants & Advisors, Papua New Guinea
XeroCon attendees were moved to the core by country manager for New Zealand, Craig Hudson. Craig shared his personal journey with mental health and what he learned along the way. Craig also highlighted the practical support Xero is offering its partners and small businesses when it comes to shining a light on mental health.
The powerful presentations from prominent speakers rang true for Xerocon Competition winner Mckennah Kero,
“I loved attending the breakout sessions and listening to speakers talking about not just accounting and debit and credits but how to develop and build ourselves and how we can help each other and improve our wellbeing in the workplace and achieving individual and business goals.
I also enjoyed checking out the Add On booths and talking to software developers. I have clients that ask me what would be the best addons for their business and I usually check those addons on the website but now I am able to meet them in person and talk with the developers.”
Mckennah Kero, Kuna Taberia Kiruwi (KTK) Accountants & Advisors, Papua New Guinea
Nick Houldsworth Executive General Manager at Ecosystem & Xero Learn, is a self-described “app-a-holic” and co-host of the Xero Developer Podcast. Nick talked about the Xero platform explaining that “this platform holds the key to how advisors can help small business owners expand and differentiate to make their businesses more successful.”
For XeroCon Competition winner Timoci Naivukedrau, Manager of WE Accounting in Samoa, XeroCon was about:
“Continuous improvement. Fixing problems. It is important that we are helping our clients holistically. Onboarding new clients and introducing something new that saves cost and time is key, even if it takes a lot of engagement and convincing. The culture of XERO IS AWSOME”
Nicole Buisson, Small Business Director at Xero, highlighted the importance of cash flow for small business. Cash flow is often called the lifeblood of small business, something that we hear a lot at BLP when identifying the main issues challenging our stakeholders. Nicole focused on providing ideas to improve cash flow, boosting client efficiency through automation, and developing an action plan to make cash flow and business planning advisory a priority.
XeroCon is a world class event with human connection at the centre. BLP will continue supporting its stakeholders to be a part of the Xero community and to leverage the advantages of cloud-based accounting.
For more information about how to join Xero through Business Link Pacific send an email to [email protected] or contact your local Business Service Manager in Samoa, Vanuatu, PNG and Fiji.
