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1.
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At the risk of stating the obvious, you won't win anything unless you enter. The
plain truth is the more award schemes you enter, the better are your chances of
winning. |
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2.
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- It is vital to approach business awards in the same way you would any other
major marketing opportunity - ie by using a skilled team who meticulously plan
and prepare every detail and who are given enough time to do a first class job. |
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3.
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- Modesty is a non-starter. To win you must unashamedly, consistently and blatantly
blow your own trumpet at every possible point in the entry form. |
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4.
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- Find out who the previous winners are and speak to them. Ask them for their
advice and tips. Ask if you can see their winning entry. The best time to do this
is shortly after they win since it will be fresh in their mind and their pleasure
at winning will make them very keen to share their experiences with you. |
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5.
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- One of the keys to winning is giving the judges what they want.
.It is therefore vital to fully understand what the judges are looking for - and
that means reading and re-reading the entry packs and instructions very carefully.
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6.
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Most awards place an upper word limit on your entry. Find out what it is and use
every available word wisely. If you cannot fill at least 80% of the word limit
(without padding) then you are probably very unlikely to win. |
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7.
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- If the entry pack indicates the proportion of the marks
available for each aspect of the entry, make sure that your total number of words
is allocated broadly the same proportions. |
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8.
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- Try to avoid cramming the body of your entry onto the formal entry form. Instead
lay out your entry neatly on separate A4 sheets (most award schemes allow you
to do this - however check with the organisers first if you are in any doubt). |
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9.
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- Make sure that your entry has a clear logical structure. Make good use of headings
and sub-headings to group related information together. If the entry form suggests
a structure follow it - otherwise create your own. |
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10.
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- Your entry must have a very strong opening section and a very
upbeat closing section. One option that has worked for many winners is to start
with an executive summary to grab the readers' attention. |
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11.
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- Some very
good businesses spoil their chances of winning by submitting a hand-written entry.
Not only does this look unprofessional, but it also makes it harder for the judges
to read. Make sure that the body of your entry is typed. |
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12.
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Find out whether you can send any enclosures - and, if you can, make the most
of the opportunity to add weight to your entry. |
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13.
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- Some entrants submit the same entry to several different awards and/or award
categories. Don't fall into the same trap. Spend time tailoring your entry so
that it exactly fits the judging criteria for the particular award. A "standard"
entry is unlikely to win anything. |
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14.
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- Keep a running list of the key achievements of your business. Add them to the
list as they happen and spend an extra ten minutes every month asking yourself
"what else have we done this month that might impress the judges?" |
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15.
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- Another good way of generating material to include in your entry is to hold
team brainstoming sessions. |
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16.
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- Once you have written your entry make sure that it is independently
proof read - preferably by at least two people who were not involved in writing
it. |
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17.
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Once you are happy with your entry put it to one side for a week. After the week
is up you will see it with a fresh perspective that will help you to improve it
even further. |
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18.
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Most award schemes publicise the winners. However many of them are really only
interested in promoting themselves and their sponsors. So if you are a winner
you should, at the very least, ask to see their press releases before they are
sent out and tell them which publications you would like them to be sent to. Better
still, produce your own press releases and do your own PR. You can often even
get great coverage if you are short-listed but don't win. |
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19.
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- Most award schemes have an Oscars-style award ceremony at which the winners
are announced. So go to the ceremony even if you don't think you have won. Not
only are they great fun, but they are also an excellent networking opportunity.
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20.
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- And finally, don't give up if you don't win. Many businesses have learned from
their defeats and gone on to win next year. So perseverance really does pay off! |
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21.
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- Display your trophies, press cuttings and photos from
the award ceremonies in your office. Carry copies in your briefcase. Incorporate
the winners' logo in your letterhead and marketing material. And make sure that
every single one of your targets, contacts and customers knows that you are a
winner because you are special. |
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22.
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- Ask us to explain how our Business Edge programme could help you to build
an even more successful business for yourself. A business that is more successful
in everything it does, including entering and winning business awards! |
