We have visible evidence that PR works. 
Alexander Communications was briefed to assist the Brokers’ Independent Group (Big) to communicate some of their big goals around supporting New Zealanders – when it counts -at claim time.
Nicola Smee was originally interviewed by the Inspired People blog on the New Zealand Herald online business site. Here AC got to understand how the two founders of Solutions Financial Services had big ambitions to launch a nationwide brand that would support many other insurance broker brands in New Zealand- with training, inspiration and back-office support.
“One of the goals for BIG is to use our leverage as an industry body to promote more high-quality insurance advisory services,” said Kevin Smee. This and some of their other ambitions were outlined in an article in Good Returns.
Part of the differentiation in both of these brands is Kevin and Nicola’s focus on “people” and having a values-driven business. Yes, a relentless focus on “the fit” both with their own management team and with brokers they choose to take on is a vital part of their success, along with the quest for balance in all things. Despite being very focussed people, both directors try to keep balance with family where they can. In fact NZ Business interviewed them for there exceptional ability to take regular breaks away with family and focus on what counts- leaving them fresh to tackle business challenges during the year.
As part of their strategy for putting something back into the risk insurance industry, Big brought out Li Cunxin. Li has a really inspiring and relevant story.
He was born into bitter poverty in rural China, when a chance discovery by Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy put 11 year old Li on course to become one of the best ballet dancers China has ever produced. He later went on to defect to the U.S., tour the world as a guest performer with some of the world’s best ballet companies, win medals at international competitions, marry and move to Australia until at the age of 34, Li started to plan his life after dancing and a radical shift in career. He began studying accounting and financial courses by correspondence at the Australian Securities Institute with a view to becoming a stockbroker.
Nicola saw how apt his story was because they were about to launch the Broker Academy. An initiative that will see many more brokers upskilled and prepared to help grow the under-insured New Zealand Market.
A new insurance broker academy could not have come at a better time says one of Australia’s top stockbrokers, Li Cunxin (pronounced “Lee Schwin Sing”) at the official opening in Auckland’s North Harbour. The message was placed across the web on Infonews, Scoop and Voxy and was picked up by Mortgage Broker Christchurch and Business to Business as well.
“This academy has been founded at a time a lot of professionals particularly in the investment, mortgage broking, banking or accounting industries really need it. It provides a fresh set of options and could open new doors for those who may have found themselves surplus to requirements, or need greater security or better prospects in today’s uncertain market.”
He said there was a real need for industry to rally to support skilled but displaced or vulnerable people in their ranks who needed to upskill or retrain. Companies also needed to encourage the pursuit of higher standards in the current recession, he said.
Li Cunxin was interviewed on the morning of the Brokers’ Independent Group Networking Breakfast by ASB Business breakfast TV where he told his inspiring story. Li was also interviewed by the Inspired People NZ Herald blog and Livemygoals.com with a message for all people during a world-wide recession – that it’s never too late to start again- and retrain yourself.
Li was also interviewed for the Dominion Post – republished on the Stuff, Business Day websites where Big received a mention too.
This story is only just beginning. We look forward to being a part of the growth of small and medium business in the risk insurance market in New Zealand.
