In this episode of The Business Awards Show, I speak with the remarkable Alison Edgar, MBE, an expert in improving performance inside organisations. Throughout Alison’s 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. She is also author of two bestselling books on sales.

Our conversation delves into Alison's inspiring journey, beginning when she started her business at the age of 46, after a successful career in hospitality and corporate sales. She shares her unique background, highlighting her experiences working for prestigious companies like Radisson and BT, explaining how her hospitality roots shaped her approach to sales and customer service. We discuss the pivotal moment that led her to establish her own sales training company, emphasizing the importance of starting small and transitioning from a side hustle to a full-time venture.

Throughout the episode, Alison offers invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, including the significance of setting clear goals and maintaining a strong support network.

We also explore Alison's upcoming event, "Smash It Live," set to take place in January 2025. This event aims to empower entrepreneurs with actionable skills and confidence, and it marks her return to live, ticketed events after five years.

In addition, we consider the transformative power of awards in business. Alison recounts her own experience winning her first award, which opened doors to media opportunities and significantly boosted her credibility. She emphasizes that winning an award is just the beginning; it’s what you do with that recognition that counts.

Finally, we touch on the darker side of the coaching industry, where vulnerable individuals can be exploited by misleading promises of quick success. Alison's passion for ethical business practices shine through as she advocates for transparency and genuine support in the entrepreneurial community.

This episode is packed with practical tips, heartfelt stories, and a wealth of knowledge making it a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the world of business with confidence and integrity. Be sure to check out the links to Alison's upcoming event and her resources in the show notes!

{2:42} Alison's early career.

{6:08} Why Alison started a business aged 46.

{7:35} How she came to write a book.

{9:25} Alison's return to live events.

{13:10} Avoiding business BS.

{14:20} Keeping it real.

{16:35} Manipulation in the coaching space.

{17:35} How not entering an award transformed Alison's thinking.

{18:50} The impact of winning her first award.

{21:00} Maximising your profile after an award win.

{22:58} Being awarded an MBE.

{25:23} Being invited to get involved in the Earthshot Prize by Prince William.

{26:40} Doing a TedX talk.

{28:07} Alison's top business tips.

{31:54} The Amazon Prime TV Show.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Alison: https://www.alisonedgar.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealisonedgarmbe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.edgar.mbe

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-edgar/

X: https://x.com/thealisonedgar

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thealisonedgarmbe

Smash it Live!: https://www.smash-it.live/