Shelley Kirk
With an average education and 7 years of accounting based employment, Shelley began her first business at the age of 25, opening a retail food outlet in Mt Maunganui.
She has been an owner/operator or investor in a secretarial services business, a computer services business, a 4 wheel drive supply business, a storage company, a hire company and traded in commercial property.
Founding her accounting firm ‘Makes Cents’ in 2001 she used untraditional approaches to business to create the success of the company today. Through her 1200 strong accounting clients and personal experience it would be fair to say Shelley knows a thing or two about small business.
‘Makes Cents’ initially concentrated on compliance services, adding a full taxation practice and re-branding in 2004. The business went from strength to strength, with results that has surprised her competitors – especially given that she isn’t an accountant herself (she just employed them).
Shelley has had her finger on the pulse of small business issues through day-to-day contact with ‘Makes Cents’ clients over 8 years. Since her first business experience she has felt that there is not enough affordable help for businesses to meet their compliance costs (i.e. GST & PAYE). She soon discovered there actually wasn’t a lot of affordable and valuable business help in New Zealand full-stop.
Shelley has always had mentors and is a huge believer in business development from experienced experts 'I think it comes down to planning but more importantly being held accountable to those plans. Business owners often fight fires, and tend to the problem that is shouting to them loudest. They ignore their plans as they are busy doing 'stuff'. The problem as I see it is no one reminds them of their original direction and goals and they wander aimlessly from stuff to stuff, never feeling satisfied or like they are getting where they want to be’. Shelley has enjoyed the benefits of being coached and is keen to give back to the business community, offering her solid business experience through Business 101.
Shelley helps Business101 offer practical business advice, accounting and tax information and support based on experience, not text books.
The juicy bits:
Shelleys Favourite TV Show.......................................Miranda
Who is currently on Shelleys Ipod............................Black Eyed Peas
If she wasnt working hard, Shelley would be........Kayaking in Vietnam
At home, Shelley has...................................................15 year old boy,11 year old princess and a 2 year old Choclate Lab,
Shelleys Dream Car.....................................................Red Convertible Audi
Shelleys Biggest Adventure.......................................Static line parachute
Want to be 
