Why I Joined: The Smart Express Journey
When Susan Spelman and her business partner founded Smart Express, a moving, delivery, and logistics company, they were ready to bring their sales experience into the world of business ownership.
Offering a range of services from point-to-point deliveries to home, office, and retirement moves; they quickly found they needed support beyond their sales expertise. That’s where the Auckland Business Chamber came in, with its business mentor program offering the tools they needed to transition from sales professionals to empowered business owners.
We caught up with Susan to learn more about Smart Express and how the Chamber has been a driving force behind their journey.
Why They Joined
Susan and her business partner joined the Chamber looking for guidance on navigating the challenges of ownership. “Coming from a sales background, we both felt we needed a mentor to help us become leaders in our own business,” Susan shared.
The Chamber’s mentor program matched them with a mentor who not only guided them but empowered them to think like business owners rather than salespeople. This support paid off; within the first year, Smart Express grew by 20% a milestone that Susan attributes to their mentor’s insights and encouragement.
Encouragement and Recognition
The Chamber didn’t just support Smart Express; they encouraged them to aim high by entering the prestigious Westpac Business Awards (now the 2degrees Awards). Despite initial reservations, they entered and went on to win the Excellence in Customer Service award, a recognition that still fills Susan and her team with pride. “Without the Chamber’s encouragement, I’m not sure we would have had the confidence to enter,” she admitted.
A Range of Support and Savings
Beyond mentorship and awards, the Chamber’s practical resources have become essential to Smart Express. The alliance partner discounts have been invaluable in cutting costs, saving them money that they can reinvest into growing their business. Another standout benefit has been the Employment Hub. When Smart Express needed to find the right staff, the Chamber paired them with a candidate who initially seemed shy but ultimately blossomed into a key team member. “Watching someone grow into their potential has been so rewarding for us as business owners,” Susan reflected.
Inspiration and Networking
One of Susan’s favourite Chamber resources is the Speaker Series. Susan and her team tune in regularly, inspired by the success stories of business and sports leaders. “We’ve added these talks to our Smart Express Library so our staff can access them anytime,” she shared, noting the positive feedback they receive from employees who find the stories both motivating and relatable.
Being part of New Zealand’s largest networking organisation has been invaluable for Smart Express. Through Chamber events and networking opportunities, they’ve forged new customer and supplier relationships and even built friendships within the business community. “Networking has opened so many doors for us, and it’s incredibly valuable when you’re a business owner.”
Conclusion
For Smart Express, joining the Auckland Business Chamber has meant more than accessing resources; it’s been about finding a partner committed to helping them thrive. From mentorship and cost-saving benefits to networking and recognition, the Chamber has been instrumental in turning Smart Express into a trusted name in logistics.
Interested in becoming a member?
Whether you’re navigating new challenges or looking to grow your network, the Auckland Business Chamber offers the support and resources to help you succeed. Pet Transport is just one example of how Chamber members gain valuable connections and resources to grow their businesses confidently.
