AQ – The Third Element Of Success?

July 26, 2004

AQ – The Third Element Of Success?

You know your IQ and your EQ - now test your AQ with the unique Ambition Quotient test…

Recent studies have shown we’re among the most entrepreneurial nations in the world. Kiwis have the intellectual and emotional capacity to start new businesses, but some academics claim we fail to grow them to their full potential – could our lack of ambition be to blame?

Now, for the first time, New Zealanders can put their ambitions to the test - literally – with the Ambition Quotient (AQ) test.

The unique online test has been developed by Dr Howard Frederick and Dr Peter Mellalieu exclusively for Aquashot, a new range of active waters boosted with vitamins which aid in promoting alertness, memory and general wellbeing.

Dr Frederick is renowned for his work as the Principal Investigator of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor New Zealand (GEM) , which found that New Zealand ranked first in total entrepreneurial activity among the world’s developed countries, ahead of Australia, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

However, while we are a nation of innovators, Dr Frederick has also found that Kiwis are inclined to rest on their laurels.

“We fail to transform our entrepreneurial businesses to further extend our wealth and promote economic growth. It’s as if our entrepreneurs become comfortable with their lives, which quells their ambitions and they fail to expand businesses to their full potential,” says Dr Frederick.

Professor Mellalieu, who specialises in assessing entrepreneurial talents, believes that the missing ingredient may be ambition.

“The AQ test is remarkable because it tests an area that hasn’t been analysed before and gives participants the opportunity to gauge the strength of their ambitions and their capability to turn them into successes. Intellect and innovation will get you so far, but it’s naked ambition, coupled with a track record of outstanding achievement, that drives the leaders of this world!” more… Available online at www.aquashot.co.nz, the AQ test examines participants’ past achievements and reactions to specific situations, while testing basic intellectual skills.

Those who complete the test online will instantly receive the results of their Ambition Quotient, and gain entry to the “Shot of a Lifetime” competition, the first prize for which is five exclusive life/business mentoring sessions with one of New Zealand’s leading entrepreneurs.

Offering their services as a mentor are Geoff Dixon, Founder and Managing Director of Silverscreen/Oktober; Wally Stone, Co-founder of Whale Watch Kaikoura and Chairman of the New Zealand Tourism Board and Karen Walker, CEO of Karen Walker and one of the world’s leading fashion designers.

Karen, whose designs are favoured by Bjork, Kate Winslett and Shirley Manson, encourages Kiwis to take their ideas to the world.

“More than ever before, New Zealanders are proving they are contenders on a global level. We need to continue to inspire and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs to explore every opportunity open to them,” says Karen.

Currently filming with Keifer Sutherland for the Hollywood production River Queen, Geoff Dixon says seeking advice from someone who has forged their own path can be invaluable in realising ambitions.

“I would say to anyone with ambitions for a full and thriving career that they should seek out a mentor, be it a local business person or a great teacher you’ve had in the past. Having someone to bounce ideas off helps to clarify goals and the path you need to take to get there,” says Geoff.

Wally Stone, who’s at the helm of our booming tourism industry, encourages our entrepreneurs not to give up on even the biggest dreams.

“The best thing about Kiwis is that we’re full of ideas! That’s the easy bit. The real test is making those ideas a reality and evolving them to their highest level – that part is the hardest and requires constant drive.”

Overall indicators of New Zealand’s AQ test results and the winner of the “Shot of a Lifetime” competition will be announced in September 2004.

ENDS

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