Annie Conza is the dynamo behind Westside Motivation Ltd and her business is all about providing the tools small businesses need to propel themselves forward.

Annie’s business provides consultancy services and software (like Xero, MYOB and JobPro) to small businesses in the area of internal financial accounting and related processes. Annie is passionate about creating ‘Financial Intelligence’ within businesses through software, training and support. She is predominately based in West Auckland and she works with small businesses that want to be in control of their finances and have a vision for growth.

Before Annie created Westside Motivation Ltd in 2003, she and her husband ran a successful paving and landscaping business for eighteen years. “Up until 1995 I ran our business part-time alongside a full time career as Technology Manager for Hesketh Henry Lawyers. In 1995 we made the choice for me to be at home with our kids who were eight and two at the time which also gave me more time to streamline our business. During this time I found that there was a real shortfall of technology skilled people willing to work in the small to medium size business arena. It was a natural process when starting my own business to focus on working alongside entrepreneurs, assisting then with in-house accounting procedures.”

Annie loves making a difference through her business. “The ultimate enjoyment for me is being involved with the most awesome people while at the same time having the ability to create my own success. Our New Zealand business owners are amazing and we need to embrace our small business culture with open arms. I also have the added bonus of having my son Shane join me in my business. He brings complementary skills to the table and I really enjoy his enthusiasm. Shane was at a training course and brought back the phrase “The thing about going the extra mile is there isn’t much traffic”. The challenge is to really enjoy the journey and know you are on the right path, even when there isn’t a lot of traffic.

Working with a broad range of small businesses mean Annie gets an insight into the issues they face. “Most business owners do not have the time and/or energy to work on the bookkeeping processes in depth as well as working in and on their businesses. What they need is for someone to tell them that they can do it, it’s not rocket science. It is essential for us to facilitate a platform where business owners can connect with their accountant and other business advisors to make use of high level business advice. Having good quality financial information available from their accounting system is an important part of the mix. I tell my clients that when they are managing their millions they will need to know these things, so let’s start now.”

Networking is an important ingredient of any business success and Annie belongs to a number of diverse networks;
“West Women – I love West Auckland and the people. I feel that West Auckland women have a huge amount to offer and I enjoy their energy.
“West Auckland Accountants – This illustrates how women have a natural characteristic to help each other. I’m not an accountant yet when I met Pauline Freeth (Co-ordinator of West Auckland Accountants Network) at West Women, she asked me to join her Network to bring my complementary skills to the group. 
“Step-up - The purpose of the stepUP Foundation is a non-profit organization providing positive encouragement for teenagers from all areas of our community. Giving back is not an option – it’s essential.
“Entrepreneurette – I have been reading “Her Business” for years and have been inspired by the businesswomen Fiona Powell has featured. I am excited to have the opportunity to learn, teach and work alongside Fiona and the other members at entrepreneurette.”

Annie is a certified partner of Xero, who were supporters of entreprenuette’s launch. “I find it exciting that Westside Motivation Ltd and Xero are aligned in our business values. We both see the huge potential in our New Zealand businesses and we are compelled to synergise to provide financial intelligence through innovative systems.”

Read one of Annie’s client case studies here. Annie can be contacted anytime for a free Xero consultation at : annie@0800westies.co.nz

Up close with Annie:
What do you do on Sunday mornings?
No one Sunday is the same, although a coffee and the property press is always a good start. Most importantly I like to spend time with my family and friends or visit my Grandmother. Alternatively you can find me at Pukekohe Raceway with the Commodore Car Club watching the racing and doing the books. Or because my kids love my cooking they are always hassling me to be in the kitchen to brew up some top secret family recipes. 

What’s your favourite website/blog?
I am on the computer so much that I really don’t do surfing or blogs... Am I the only one?

What’s your favourite saying or quote?
“If you want to change society, you must first be true to yourself.”

Who’s your role model/inspiration/hero?
I could talk forever on the many personal and business role models. The two people who totally inspire me are my Mother and my Grand-mother. They are women well before their time and my daughter Jacinta, grand-daughter Mary-Jane and I have been blessed with their spirit and courage.
They also taught me to look after the ones you love really well. My husband and I have changed roles a number of times during our life together. We always put each other first; this way we always have someone looking out for us. He is definitely my hero.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
From my grandmother (the best cook) when she was eighty. I was teaching her a recipe and commented on how strange it was that I was teaching her how to cook when she had taught me when I was little. She said “You’re never too old to learn”.

Visit Annie's website at: www.0800westies.co.nz