And The Award Goes To…YOU!
No matter the size of your business, or type of practice, anyone is eligible for a business award. There are a huge variety of awards–from local to national, industry based or with specific criteria. To find a list of awards available, look through your local chamber of commerce, local or business press or simply search the internet for relevant awards.
Deciding what awards to enter can be challenging, but it’s important to weigh up the time and effort it would take to enter against the potential gains. Some awards may have monetary prizes or other benefits such as coaching, advice, and workshops. However, it’s not just the winning that counts!
With resources often stretched, you may feel entering a business award competition is not the highest priority. Here are five reasons why entering an award could be good for your business and why you should consider it:
Free marketing
Business awards can be an overlooked tool in your marketing toolbox. Even being shortlisted can improve brand awareness and promote your business to new customers. Make sure you maximise PR exposure and update your marketing materials with the award logo including business cards, website, literature, email and sales material. Awards celebrate hard work and success and are great PR opportunities. It’s fantastic to be recognised so it’s important to make sure that people know what your business has achieved. Winning a business award can open doors to getting contracts, finding new supply channels, and breaking into new markets.
Increased credibility
A business award win, short-listing or nomination can act as a 3rd party endorsement for your business. It gives a seal of approval to your activities and is a sign of quality for potential customers, as well as may help improve relationships with suppliers. It’s a great way of differentiating your company from competitors and will send out positive signals to your customers.
Employee motivation
Awards recognize the hard work and achievements of your employees so winning one can help boost staff morale and improve motivation. Employees are focused on what’s great about the company they work for and want to feel proud to be a part of it. This can be maximized by making sure staff feel they get the recognition they deserve by holding a staff meeting to celebrate your victory. Staff could be invited to a glitzy awards ceremony or dinner which can yield networking opportunities as well as being a great night out!
Attract talent
Business awards validate your hiring stature among new recruits. By pitching yourself as the best you can attract the talent you need to push your business forward. This, in conjunction with increased employee morale, will further help attract and retain new recruits.
Goldman McCormick has handled many submissions of business awards, as well as follow-up PR activity with the utmost success, gaining many clients recognition, as well as advising on the best strategy to utilize their new lucrative award. Contact us for more information about awards and how we can help you obtain them!