Written by SWTeam
Director of Firefly Creative digital agency Liz Wood has a passion: bringing her clients online story to life
Ahead of meeting up with Liz at upcoming Tauranga Startup Weekend, here are some insights of her entrepreneurial life so far and what participants can expect from her input as a Mentor
Tell us a bit about your dealings with the entrepreneurial world so far?
My husband and I moved to the Bay two years ago and started a boutique digital agency (Firefly Creative), based in the Mount. Running a successful business in a very competitive industry has been a big learning curve, especially the ‘running’ the business side of things and learning about sales and client management.
What markets/sectors do you have experience in?
I began my career as a high school English and Media Studies Teacher in Auckland, but quickly realised I didn’t want to spend my life in school! Since then, I’ve worked in Digital Marketing and Comms across NFPS, Fashion, Recruitment, Electronic gaming, Outdoor recreation in Auckland, Wellington and Sydney.
What’s the most financially and/or socially successful thing you’ve done?
Socially successful, a few years back I organised Skins, a collaboration between APN Outdoors and City Art Rooms. Six emerging New Zealand artists had their artwork featured on unused billboard spaces around central Auckland. Smaller billboard ‘skins’ were also printed and auctioned at Webbs with all money raised going to Cure Kids.
What is the most important thing that you think entrepreneurs should know?
Be open minded to feedback and criticism - it’s a bit of a bumpy ride and not everyone is going to ‘buy in’. Feedback is the process a product/idea needs to go through to either fly or die. It can be very hard to distance yourself from your ideas and maintain objectivity. It’s great to be involved from the ground up designing a product and seeing where it may go.
How can you help Tauranga's Startup Weekend participants?
I’ve been through much trial and error developing websites - so process, prototyping and understanding the needs of the customer/end user.
Tell us a bit about why you think TGASW is a good thing?
If you’ve had an idea knocking around, and want a swift validation process it’s the perfect place - then you’ll know whether it’s worth pursuing. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people and you may meet the future members of your start-up!
Come and meet Liz and other exceptional business mentors on September 23-25 - Secure your spot here
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Thank you to Tauranga Startup Weekend Sponsors
