In 2005, Midge Hand and her husband, Mike Morgan, co-founded Whippet Digital with a vision to help businesses achieve better results through digital marketing. Today, Whippet Digital has become a leading agency, renowned for its expertise in SEO and content marketing. Based in Ohope Beach, the agency has worked with 100+ businesses across New Zealand and Australia, earning the distinction of being the first Kiwi agency on the Content Marketing Institute’s recommended list. But behind their success lies a story of collaboration, challenges, and a transformative mentorship experience that helped to reshape their business.
While Whippet Digital was thriving, Midge and Mike recognised the importance of staying ahead in a fast-evolving industry. Together, they sought an external perspective to help them refine their business strategy and ensure sustainable growth. “We thought we could benefit from a Business Mentor who could bring their unique experience and skills to help us improve our business performance,” Midge explains.
Their goals were clear: streamline internal operations, refine their pricing and costing strategies, and position the business for future transitions. Through Business Mentors New Zealand, they were paired with an experienced volunteer Mentor whose insights would prove invaluable.
From their first meeting, their Mentor made a lasting impression. His approach wasn’t about handing over a list of solutions; instead, he asked thoughtful questions that prompted the pair to rethink entrenched ideas. This process helped uncover areas for improvement and solidified Whippet Digital’s unique selling proposition.
Key areas where the Mentor’s guidance made an impact included:
“The Mentor’s ability to ask the right questions was invaluable,” the pair reflect. “They challenged us to rethink some of our long-held beliefs and encouraged us to explore new opportunities. It was exactly what we needed.”
Alongside the guidance of their Mentor, Whippet Digital achieved several milestones, each marking a step forward in their journey:
As Whippet Digital moves forward, Midge and Mike’s vision remains ambitious. Their goals include maintaining team stability, expanding their client roster, and delivering more customised projects. They’re also interested in fostering collaborations with other suppliers to grow their referral network and strengthen the brand’s reputation.
One of the most exciting developments is Whippet Digital’s focus on SaaS clients, a niche market that aligns with their expertise. By continuing to build relationships in this area, the pair aim to cement the company’s position as a go-to digital marketing agency.
Midge and Mike are candid when asked about the most valuable lessons they’ve learned from having a Mentor: “We don’t know everything, and that’s okay. Having an independent, external voice keeps us on track and challenges us to keep learning.”
For Midge and Mike, the mentorship experience has been transformative. It’s not just about solving problems but also about viewing the business through a fresh lens. “Our Mentor’s guidance has made us a more professional and focused business,” Mike shares. “They taught us how to see things differently from a different perspective.”
When asked about mentorship, the pair have a simple message to other business owners: “Do it. The support, insights, and encouragement you’ll gain are worth it.” Emphasising that even when things are going well, a Mentor can help you see opportunities for growth and improvement that you might have missed.
From its humble beginnings to its current position as a digital marketing leader, Whippet Digital’s journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the power of mentorship. With a Mentor’s support, Midge and Mike have refined their business, strengthened their team, and positioned Whippet Digital for a bright future.
The pair describe the mentorship journey as a game-changer for Whippet Digital. With fresh insights and invaluable guidance, the business has sharpened its focus, strengthened its foundations, and redefined its purpose. By challenging old ways of thinking and refining their systems, Whippet Digital is now poised to seize new opportunities and continue making waves in the digital marketing world. The team is energised, the vision is clear, and the future has never looked brighter.