{"id":34834,"date":"2024-10-21T14:35:59","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T01:35:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/?p=34834"},"modified":"2024-11-25T08:44:43","modified_gmt":"2024-11-24T19:44:43","slug":"alison-edgar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/alison-edgar\/","title":{"rendered":"Alison Edgar"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-34phuj6-14b4fc8fbbbcee4a7711579df231a9e5 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-first  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><main  role=\"main\" itemprop=\"mainContentOfPage\"  class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-34834'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-r4fmz6-069af0dd36ee754c8894d83bbee07360\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-r4fmz6-069af0dd36ee754c8894d83bbee07360{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-r4fmz6-069af0dd36ee754c8894d83bbee07360 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-1  el_before_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-first '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-1a980qa-99d232915db8f74bc069443b476e8d14 av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_two_fifth  first flex_column_div  '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-m2i9ox8b-3d8ae848c11e4ad79ad4ff0e5e35af3f\">\n.avia-image-container.av-m2i9ox8b-3d8ae848c11e4ad79ad4ff0e5e35af3f img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-m2i9ox8b-3d8ae848c11e4ad79ad4ff0e5e35af3f .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-m2i9ox8b-3d8ae848c11e4ad79ad4ff0e5e35af3f 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av-sytgxe-8ac2d0639ea3760ac05909095e4990cd av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div  '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-m2i9pfej-d0c33f25a13aab218c62b083ef07ad4a\">\n.avia-image-container.av-m2i9pfej-d0c33f25a13aab218c62b083ef07ad4a img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-m2i9pfej-d0c33f25a13aab218c62b083ef07ad4a .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-m2i9pfej-d0c33f25a13aab218c62b083ef07ad4a av-styling- avia-align-left  avia-builder-el-5  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-34841 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-34841 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Alison-Edgar-Headshot-300x300.png\" alt='' title='Alison-Edgar-Headshot'  height=\"300\" width=\"300\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Alison-Edgar-Headshot-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Alison-Edgar-Headshot-80x80.png 80w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Alison-Edgar-Headshot-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Alison-Edgar-Headshot-36x36.png 36w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Alison-Edgar-Headshot-180x180.png 180w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Alison-Edgar-Headshot-705x705.png 705w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Alison-Edgar-Headshot-500x500.png 500w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Alison-Edgar-Headshot.png 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/main><!-- close content main element --><\/div><\/div><div id='av_section_2'  class='avia-section av-94jqhe-f556b140ef971d89955bdeaf65b52a87 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-34834'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-1yqupbm-ae71f5ed46fe621219d7e18c6fcfec43 av_one_fifth  avia-builder-el-7  el_before_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div  '     ><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-1t5urhu-662d5a8e7525f7d83d76f018673e65a7 av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_one_fifth  el_before_av_one_fifth  flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-1a87l02-c139772fb9ba35dc988dae2581bc24ab '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2><strong>An Interview with Alison Edgar MBE<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Alison Edgar MBE is an expert in improving performance inside organisations. Throughout Alison\u2019s years advising entrepreneurial businesses, she has discovered important factors that make them successful. Alison takes these lessons on enhancing motivation, communication, and agility and shares them with enterprising businesses. So we\u2019re delighted to have had the chance to sit down with Alison and lean on her expertise.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>approx 5 minute read<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='hr av-m2iajusq-9d01e2ab86d19b4f5a08128246a75098 hr-default  avia-builder-el-10  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/p><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-mxx98y-5e8e6f10b06997659bcf569c354da402 av_one_fifth  avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div  '     ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='av_section_3'  class='avia-section av-2paufde-93690db647d13ab6bea2be412eb1e223 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-12  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-34834'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-27bfo5u-ec2b2983080abcfee1bd26f26ec551c9 av_one_fifth  avia-builder-el-13  el_before_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div  '     ><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-1jikmc2-82bdac30008cde4bfd66432ee68c29b4 av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-14  el_after_av_one_fifth  el_before_av_one_fifth  flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-m2ian1qz-601b6038314de8ce54b9a349a5d6e1e7 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>How influential is having a \u2018growth mindset\u2019 in regard to the success of a business?<\/h2>\n<p>A growth mindset is absolutely imperative to the success of a business. When you believe you can achieve something, you are already that one step closer to actually getting there. Having a growth mindset also means that you will take setbacks in your stride and use these as lessons.<\/p>\n<p>This mindset fosters resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to continuously change and improve, all of which are essential for navigating the challenges and uncertainties that lie in the business world.<\/p>\n<h2>What steps can a business take to better understand its potential customers and their needs?<\/h2>\n<p>It sounds like a simple answer, but so many people do not ask open-ended questions.<\/p>\n<p>This is something you learn as a toddler that often gets forgotten as we get older. As we progress through formal education, the dynamic around questioning shifts. In the classroom, students are often taught to follow rules, respect authority, and adhere to established norms of behaviour, which can sometimes discourage questioning or challenge.<\/p>\n<p>By asking questions that start with \u201cwho, what, when, where, why and how\u201d you are opening up a whole new dialogue between your business and potential customers, that encourages respondents to provide detailed and thoughtful responses, rather than simple \u201cyes\u201d or \u201cno\u201d answers. This means you can gain valuable insights into the motivations, preferences, and pain points of your potential customers.<\/p>\n<h2>\u201cWhen delivered correctly, Sales and Customer Service are exactly the same thing\u201d. Can you give one of your favourite examples to demonstrate this?<\/h2>\n<p>Imagine a company organising a conference or corporate event with the objective of energising and inspiring its employees. As a motivational speaker, my role is not merely to sell a speaking engagement, but rather to provide a service that meets the specific needs and objectives of the client, and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable process while we work together. Rather than viewing my speaking engagement as a transaction, I approach it as an opportunity to provide a tailored service that aligns with the specific needs and objectives of the client. We ensure our clients are supported every step of the way, with two in-depth calls and a constant point of contact, which obviously uses a lot more of our time but means we are providing great customer service.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>I know that my session will leave a lasting impact on the organisation, not just on the day, but every day, meaning it\u2019s not just simply a sale; it is a service \u2013 a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people in the organisation.<\/p>\n<h2>What would you say to people \u2018holding back\u2019 on sales because they\u2019re not 100% happy with their offering \/ website \/ brand?<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s understandable to want everything to be perfect before diving into sales conversations, but it\u2019s important to remember that perfection is often an unrealistic standard. While it\u2019s crucial to have a strong offering, website, and brand, waiting until everything is 100% perfect can hinder your business growth.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>At the end of the day, If you don\u2019t sell, you don\u2019t have a business, so you can\u2019t use this as an excuse to not have these conversations. Instead, focus on communicating the unique value of your product or service, and how it addresses the needs and pain points of your target audience.<\/p>\n<h2>How might the \u2018Ah, but\u2026\u2019 phase prevent people gaining traction?<\/h2>\n<p>The \u2018ah, but\u2019 phase is what I use to describe the point when people start coming up with excuses as to why they can\u2019t hit their goals.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>To me, this is the fixed mindset trying to come back out, which hinders progress and prevents people from gaining traction towards their goals. Instead of focusing on solutions and possibilities, they become preoccupied with obstacles and hurdles, ultimately slowing down their journey towards success.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Remaining in a growth mindset all of the time can be hard, but by trying to treat yourself with the same comparison and empathy as you would offer to a friend, you can build a habit of being kind and understanding to yourself.<\/p>\n<h2>You relate most of your achievements back to visualisation, why is this?<\/h2>\n<p>Growing up neurodiverse, words on a page struggled to resonate with me. Visualisation became my lifeline. It enabled me to paint vivid mental pictures of my goals and dreams. This technique really helped me stay on track when things got hard as it adds that extra layer of<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> clarity<i>.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p>By creating vision boards, I can envision the destination, which I find really keeps me motivated and accountable for taking the necessary steps to reach my goals.<\/p>\n<h2>You believe that everyone needs to be working towards a goal? Why is this?<\/h2>\n<p>How do you know when you are doing well at football? You score a goal. And honestly, the same applies to life. Setting and achieving goals gives you a sense of measurement and control over your life, and allows you to keep track of if you are heading in the right direction. It\u2019s that unmistakable feeling of progress and success.<\/p>\n<p>But it\u2019s not just about the destination, it\u2019s about the journey too. Each step you take towards your goals builds confidence and resilience, and working towards and achieving a goal provides a sense of satisfaction that is second to none, which will keep you motivated when things get tough.<\/p>\n<h2>You mentioned the importance of changing on the way up, what does this mean?<\/h2>\n<p>Essentially, \u201cchanging on the way up\u201d means continuously evolving and improving your business practices, products, and strategies, even as you grow and achieve milestones.<\/p>\n<p>Many businesses become complacent when they achieve success, sticking to what has worked in the past and resisting change. However, in today\u2019s rapidly evolving business landscape, standing still is NEVER an option. Competitors are constantly innovating and improving, and if you don\u2019t adapt and evolve along with them, you risk falling behind.<\/p>\n<p>By embracing change and being proactive about innovation, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and maintain their competitive edge.<\/p>\n<h2>What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own business or take their existing venture to the next level?<\/h2>\n<p>According to Forbes Magazine, only 10% of startup businesses succeed, and a lot of the time this can be attributed to a lack of a solid plan, so first and foremost I would recommend aspiring entrepreneurs to invest time and effort in crafting a business plan. I don\u2019t just mean a brief overview of what the business is. This plan should outline your business goals, target market, competitive analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational processes. It serves as a blueprint for your business, guiding your actions and providing a framework for measuring progress and success.<\/p>\n<p>I would also highly encourage entrepreneurs to remain resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges and change. Building a business isn\u2019t easy, and it will require a lot of perseverance, determination, and the ability to pivot as needed, but it is so worth it. Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey, and success often comes to those who are willing to put in the hard work, stay resilient, and continuously learn and adapt along the way. Good luck!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='hr av-g9voy-48c442ae3041e3ebd27effb2b8b171ef hr-default  avia-builder-el-16  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/p><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-j1h3n6-e1365fdb2114db9f7ba4c129417b01b5 av_one_fifth  avia-builder-el-17  el_after_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div  '     ><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='av_section_4'  class='avia-section av-26smdg2-5bf841ba8e9d5c5dee32857691e6581d main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-18  el_after_av_section  avia-builder-el-last  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_right'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-34834'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-1m2k3aq-e06a0f644a76cb6cdf6d089ddba8db5d av_one_fifth  avia-builder-el-19  el_before_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div  '     ><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-4p1piq-d11b82d75a0c3a772769e15a6db7cef5 av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-20  el_after_av_one_fifth  el_before_av_one_fifth  flex_column_div  '     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-m2ib0n33-ab334a4c86b030b34621e9df6e6c39d1 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h4>To work with Alison or to book her for your next event,<br \/>\nplease head to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.alisonedgar.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>www.alisonedgar.com<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n<h4>Alison covers most of this and more in \u2018SMASH IT!<br \/>\nThe Art of Getting What YOU Want\u2019 \u2013 grab your copy on Amazon<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-m2ib2yij-90f79702e74c58dbf4a7f68a4311788d\">\n.avia-image-container.av-m2ib2yij-90f79702e74c58dbf4a7f68a4311788d img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-m2ib2yij-90f79702e74c58dbf4a7f68a4311788d .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-m2ib2yij-90f79702e74c58dbf4a7f68a4311788d av-styling- avia-align-left  avia-builder-el-22  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_hr '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-34852 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-34852 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smash-It-Icon.png\" alt='' title='Smash-It-Icon'  height=\"180\" width=\"143\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smash-It-Icon.png 143w, https:\/\/www.nettl.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smash-It-Icon-64x80.png 64w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 143px) 100vw, 143px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-m2ibwlv1-7b5dc0e35b4aa2ed2ab4f65b6f43ee85\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-m2ibwlv1-7b5dc0e35b4aa2ed2ab4f65b6f43ee85{\nheight:80px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-m2ibwlv1-7b5dc0e35b4aa2ed2ab4f65b6f43ee85 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-23  el_after_av_image  avia-builder-el-last '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/p><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-tt8pxu-62170b4beeb014c5d38f778a265bd311 av_one_fifth  avia-builder-el-24  el_after_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div  '     ><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='after_section_4'  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