COVER STORY
The rainmaker
Leanne Graham has the Midas touch. The vivacious 42-year-old entrepreneur and cloud investor has fast-tracked a number of business successes over the years. Now at the helm of job costing app provider GeoOP, the future’s looking even more promising.
Leanne talked to NZBusiness about her career so far and the true potential of GeoOP – another standout opportunity in the growing and lucrative Software-as-a-Service sector.

FEATURES
If the business fits...
Eyeing up a business opportunity? Heard the horror stories, but still keen to give it a go and be your own boss? This special guide walks you through the issues faced when going into business for the first time.

Business supermodel
The franchise business model is still responsible for kick-starting business careers all over the country. Patricia Moore has an update for franchise buyers.
Business secrets SMEs can learn from global giants
A clear marketing strategy and ongoing sales and communication skills training are two areas Kiwi SMEs need to place greater priority on. Ambrose Blowfield says it’s time to learn from the big multinationals.

Q&A: Ahmad Jubbawey, Vensa Health
Ahmad Jubbawey is founder and CEO of leading mobile health (mHealth) solutions provider Vensa Health. If you’ve received an SMS from your doctor, physio or hospital, there’s a good chance Vensa was responsible for its delivery.

ACHIEVERS
It’s a juggle out there
Richard Horne has posted a colourful work career. But now the Renters host has found his true passion in business – managemyproperty – a Wellington property management company he’s looking to franchise.
Bootstraps and belief
Plenfy is a cloud-based customer reward and engagement programme that went from concept to market launch funded almost entirely by its creator Shane Price.
His bootstraps are looking decidedly thin.