Introduction:
Amidst personal and professional disruption, Belinda Bullock transformed her passion into a thriving business. Following a redundancy from Air New Zealand and personal family challenges, Belinda found peace in photography. Originally a hobby, this passion quickly evolved into Belinda Bullock Photography. Through her membership with the Auckland Business Chamber Belinda joined the mentoring program, Belinda has navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship, making a remarkable impact in the business, commercial and corporate photography sectors. Not only that the Chamber recognised her talents and she has become their official photographer for the headshots of all judges in the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards, as well as their own staff photos.
Why She Joined:
Compelled by her self described “erratic creativity” and the need for structured business advice after her career changes, Belinda engaged with the Auckland Business Chamber. She was matched with Mark Sweeney, a experienced business specialist, through the Chamber’s Mentors program. Mark’s analytical approach and focus on establishing clear processes and realistic budgets provided the groundwork for her business’s structure.
A Spectrum of Support:
Mark Sweeney and the Auckland Business Chamber provided multifaceted support that was instrumental in refining Belinda’s business model:
- Process and Budget Management: Mark emphasised the importance of balancing financial planning with personal time management, encouraging Belinda to use apps to track her daily activities effectively.
- Marketing and Brand Development: Together, they prepared Belinda’s brand identity, defining what she stood for and her unique value proposition as a photographer. This clarity helped her focus on areas like corporate photography, where she aimed to empower businesses to show their personalities of their people and provide imagery that would give confidence to their customers.
- Community and Client Engagement: Belinda is a big supporter of women in business and their passions. She established a private Facebook group to foster a supportive community where women could discuss photography and self-image, transforming participants into loyal clients.
Recognition and Growth:
Through strategic marketing and community engagement, Belinda’s work gained traction, particularly in her business photography, an area that saw resurgence during the pandemic due to people needing to digitalise their business presence. Her efforts to address common industry concerns through personalised videos further established trust with her audience, enhancing her reputation as a leading photographer in New Zealand.
Conclusion:
Belinda Bullock Photography’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of effective mentorship. With Mark Sweeney and the Auckland Business Chamber’s guidance, Belinda has not only navigated her business to success but also plans strategically for the future. Her story underscores the value of the Chamber’s mentorship program and the profound impact it can have on personal and professional growth.
Belinda’s business journey, marked by continuous learning and adaptation, showcases the transformative influence of strategic partnerships and the enduring benefits of community support within Auckland’s vibrant business ecosystem.
Interested in becoming a member?
By being part of the Chamber, you can connect, learn, grow, and contribute to our influential voice for business advocacy. Join us at the Auckland Business Chamber and unlock the full potential of your business, just like Belinda did with Belinda Bullock Photography.
