Written by: Serena Fordham, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
We were delighted to have recently won “UK’s Most Inclusive Female Entrepreneur Network” in the 8th Annual Business Excellence Awards 2021, and along with our other awards, including being listed on the Brainz Global Awards Honours List, this got us thinking about how awards have transformed the success of our business.
Here are our top tips for winning awards to skyrocket your business success.
1. You've got to be in it to win it.
It's an old saying, but it's true. You have to look at your work positively and just apply (or ask someone to nominate you on your behalf)!
2. Blow your own trumpet!
Many of us find this difficult, but it's important, so be proud of what you do. Applying for awards is inextricably linked with business development, and winning certainly gives you a competitive edge.
3. Passion wins awards.
Passion for your business and industry always shines through in applications. So, be authentic and communicate your work and purpose positively, which will grab the judges' attention.
4. The David and Goliath complex.
Don't be afraid to pit yourself against much bigger companies. Most awards are based on the quality of work or impact you've made, not on the number of employees/sales/etc. Often bigger companies hire a marketing agency to apply for awards for them, which means the passion is sometimes diluted on their application.
5. Set targets.
It might sound crazy, but it takes time to prepare award applications, so do your research and schedule them into your diary, so you are always one step ahead.
6. Don't be disheartened.
If you get nominated or shortlisted but don't win, use the awards night as an opportunity to network, and still make sure you still shout about this in your marketing (as this is still a huge achievement!)
7. Pay attention to the questions.
Award applications can be a bit like a lengthy job application, so it’s important to answer the questions carefully rather than just trying to sell yourself.
8. Putting pen to paper.
Firstly, keep an eye on trade/sector magazines, which often run awards, and local press for local business awards. Read through the categories and criteria carefully to make sure it's a good fit and that you have a fairly unique offering. Keep asking yourself, "what makes me/us different" as you complete the application.
If there's the chance to supply supporting evidence, a PowerPoint works well as you can add images and text and stats to demonstrate your business growth. And tie in award applications with your blog or case studies/testimonials (these are invaluable when it comes to winning awards, and show that your customers are blowing your trumpet too!)
If you work completely on your own, then use a community like HER Business Revolution or Brainz to get feedback on your draft award applications before submitting them.
9. Plaster success everywhere!
Customers are impressed by award-winning companies because it increases your reliability and strengthens your business’ reputation. If you win, put the award logos everywhere — on your website, social media, email signature, pop-up banners, brochures, and flyers, in advertorial press, and try for free press coverage if you can get it. Whatever you do, make sure that award works hard for you!
Feel free to visit my website & follow me on Facebook for more tips like this!
Serena Fordham, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Serena is an expert Business Strategist, Growth/Development and Empowerment Mentor to Female Entrepreneurs, and a best-selling Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, and successful multiple Business Owner. Her main passion is offering business strategies, support, and empowerment to ambitious and high vibe business women both locally and internationally – through HER Business Revolution. She is also known for her organizational skills by owning Glow Virtual Assistants and supporting women and child-related charities (also founding two charitable initiatives – Mums Empowerment Movement and SociaBubble).
