Amanda Liddle: Go on, take the leap and enter to do better

ExportNZ Hawke's Bay executive officer Amanda Liddle says entering the Export Awards is as much about the journey as winning.

EXPORTNZ is a national network of exporters and locally delivered in Hawke's Bay through Business Central. Last Thursday was the Export NZ ASB Export Awards and we were fortunate to celebrate the passion, vision and new approaches that Hawke's Bay businesses are taking to achieve international success.

Congratulations to our winners - Furnware, RCR Energy, Hawke's Bay Wine Growers and Maimai Creek as well as to our finalists - Haden and Custance, Rockit, David Trubridge, Agrilab Co-Products and Wood Mallets.

Their success is contributing to New Zealand's growing achievements in doing business globally, which is supporting job creation, economic growth and a stronger future.
We know we have fantastic businesses in our region and we would love to see more businesses entering next year, especially the smaller ones.

So you might be wondering "why would we enter the export awards", just remember it's not just about the winning, but the journey you take to get there. Here are a list of reasons why you should enter:

1. It's fun
The ExportNZ ASB awards are a vibrant, memorable, friendly and fun event. Take that next step and be a part of it.

2. You might win
You can't win Lotto if you don't buy a ticket. An award gives you a point of difference and a third party mark of excellence.

3. Everybody benefits
The big win comes from the process of preparing the application. Entering an award gives you a structure and process to step back and look at what you have achieved, what you have learned along the way, and get a clear focus on where you are going.

4. Feedback from the judges
This gives you a sense of where you're going well and where you can improve. Detached assessment and advice is invaluable.

5. Raise your company profile and build brand awareness
Winning an award will significantly raise your company profile locally, internationally, and will attract new business. Being shortlisted as a finalist will also build your brand and credibility in the marketplace.

6. Shout from the rooftops
Use an award on all corporate literature and advertising, on your website, in your newsletters. Use it as a tool for your business pitches. Drive home the fact that you are the best in your field.

7. Investment potential
If you aim to grow your business, recognition in the awards can help impress potential investors.

8. Network with fellow business leaders
Attending our popular and quickly sold out awards dinner and subsequent events gives you the opportunity to network with other business leaders and professionals.

9. Boost staff morale, retention and recruitment
Achieving recognition in the awards can have a positive effect on staff morale, motivation and retention as it acknowledges their contribution to your business success. It is a great way to attract new talent.

So go on, take the leap and mark next year's awards in your calendar, you could be our next winner.
Amanda Liddle is ExportNZ's Hawke's Bay executive officer