As an experienced marketing consultant and founder of May Communications & Marketing, and New Zealand Travel Collective, Trish May has worked for some of New Zealand’s leading tourism and travel businesses for the last two decades, providing them with a wide range of marketing services to assist with business growth.
Verve chats to Queenstown-based Trish about life as a business owner.
What is your academic background?
I studied a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Double Major in Political Science and American Studies, and then undertook a Post Graduate Diploma of Tourism, which is where my desire to work in the field of tourism was born. I upskilled further by obtaining an MBA Executive Leadership qualification and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business and Administration, part-time while working.
How did May Communications & Marketing come about?
After working for seven years for Tourism Rotorua and three years at Rainbow Springs & Farm Show, I decided it was time to venture out on my own. So, in 2000 I launched May Marketing & Communications with the intention to create a boutique marketing agency, specialising in sales and marketing services for the tourism, travel, and professional services industries.
Over the 23 years you’ve been in business, it’s only been yourself at the helm. Did you ever consider expanding?
I greatly considered the opportunity to grow as it seemed a natural step as I got busier with more clients. However, I came to the realisation that by doing so, I would have to step into more of a management role for the agency, rather than retaining close contact with my clients and providing them with marketing solutions for their businesses, which is what I love doing. Therefore, I chose to retain the boutique nature of my business by being solo – although I do contract in extra resources on a project-by-project basis.
What do you like about being a women in business?
I think that women generally bring more consideration and compassion into the business world, and I like being in that environment.
Is it becoming easier for women to succeed in business?
Post-pandemic society is much more accepting of working from home, hybrid working, and flexible arrangements to enable women to undertake family commitments. To that extent, whether a woman is in their own business or in employment, it is becoming easier to juggle demands of life.
Who are your heroes?
Dame Sian Elias and Dame Silvia Cartwright for their accomplishments in law during a time when women in law were rare and women in senior positions were scarce. Peta Mathias for her zest and energy. Lisa O’Neill for her fun and hilarious commentary on style and life in general.
Have you had mentors throughout your career?
Most recently I’ve been working with a fabulous business mentor, Giselle McLachlan. Giselle is a highly successful and focused woman in business. She has a background in law, insurance and directorships and more recently is heavily involved in driving for excellence in the governance sector through her business Grounded Governance. Also, Arihia Carrington, who was chief executive officer at New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, now Te Puia in Rotorua. Arihia was the first, I believe, female CEO at NZMACI.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
My first boss, Steve, reminded me that you meet the same people coming down the ladder as you do climbing up the ladder. So be respectful and courteous to all, no matter their position in life or in business.
What is your proudest career moment to date?
There are many moments, but mostly they relate to clients winning awards over the years. Largely this has been in the New Zealand Tourism Awards where I’ve assisted clients with preparing their entries. I get such a thrill to see them profiled as finalists and recognised by their peers for their business excellence. When they win, I’m usually the biggest cheerleader in the audience! It’s so rewarding and exciting.
What exciting projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently focused on a new sales representation service called the New Zealand Travel Collective. It was launched two years ago aimed at showcasing awesome tourism businesses to the international travel agent market. Typically, the businesses in the collective are small to medium sized ones wanting to grow this segment of their business. I’ve recently completed my first solo sales mission to the UK, meeting agents in-market. Before the end of the year I will undertake missions to Australia, North America and Singapore. I relish the opportunity to add tourism business into the collective and showcase them globally.
What inspires you on a daily basis?
Connecting! I like connecting with people – whether it’s with clients, or networking with business colleagues and connecting them together.
How do you switch off outside of work?
With my fur-baby – a nine-year-old Labradoodle called Webster. As I work from home, he’s my office buddy and is always keen on an exploratory walk at any time of the day!
Any podcast or reading recommendations?
My Daily Business by Fiona Killacky, an experienced marketer with a refreshing approach and awesome tips and reminders. The Quicky by MamaMia – as the name suggests, it’s a quick round-up of news and then a deep dive into some general interest topics. Radio New Zealand – on demand listening of interesting interviews mainly from Saturday Morning with Kim Hill and Sunday Morning with Jim Mora.
