Are you considering entering your business for an award but don’t know where to start? This guide will help you craft compelling award applications that showcase your achievements and boost your business profile. Adam Barnes from Roma Barnes Consultancy spoke to us, about why you should enter our Awards.
The Business Awards are open until 19 September and you can start your applications here.
Why Enter Awards? The Benefits Go Beyond Winning
You might think that entering awards is only worth it if you win – but that’s not the case. Even if you don’t take home the top prize, there are significant benefits to the application process itself:
Brand Awareness and Publicity: Being shortlisted for an award creates valuable publicity and increases brand recognition. It positions your business as a leader in your sector and opens doors to new opportunities.
Self-Discovery: The application process forces you to reflect on what makes your business special. You’ll uncover achievements and strengths you might not have fully appreciated, which can then inform your marketing and sales strategies.
Networking Opportunities: Award events connect you with other businesses, potential customers, and industry leaders. These connections can lead to new partnerships and business opportunities.
Marketing Material: Award applications and recognitions provide excellent content for your marketing efforts, helping you attract new customers and stand out from competitors.
The Foundation: Structure Your Application Like a Professional
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is treating award applications like casual storytelling. Instead, approach your entry as a formal application with clear structure:
Start, Middle, and End: Like any good story or report, your application should have a logical flow. Don’t just jump between different achievements randomly.
Evidence-Based Claims: Never make statements without backing them up. If you claim to be “the best consultancy in the region,” explain exactly what makes you say that.
Quantifiable Results: Use specific numbers, percentages, and measurable outcomes wherever possible. “Increased client satisfaction by 25%” is much stronger than “improved client satisfaction.”
Preparation is Key: Take time to plan your approach. Map out how you’ll tackle each question before you start writing. As the saying goes, “Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.”
Be Confident – You Deserve to Win
Many businesses undersell themselves in award applications. They’ll say things like “we’re okay at this” or “we think we might deserve consideration.” This approach won’t win awards.
Blow Your Own Trumpet: This is your chance to celebrate your business. No one else is going to do it for you, so don’t be modest about your achievements.
State Why You Should Win: Be direct about why you deserve the award. What sets you apart from competitors? What have you achieved that others haven’t?
Use Testimonials: Let your customers and partners speak for you. Testimonials provide third-party validation of your claims and add credibility to your application.
What Judges Look For
While judging criteria vary, there are common elements that successful applications typically include:
Clear Evidence: Judges want to see proof of your achievements, not just claims. Provide concrete examples, case studies, and measurable results.
Relevance: Ensure your examples directly relate to the award category you’re entering. Don’t include irrelevant achievements just because they sound impressive.
Impact: Show how your work has made a difference – to your customers, your community, or your industry.
Innovation: Highlight what makes you different or innovative in your approach.
Getting Started: Your Action Plan
Ready to begin? Here’s how to approach your award application:
- Read the Criteria Carefully: Understand exactly what each category is looking for before you start writing.
- Gather Your Evidence: Collect testimonials, case studies, financial data, and any other supporting materials.
- Plan Your Structure: Outline how you’ll approach each question before you start writing.
- Draft and Review: Write your first draft, then step back and review it critically. Better yet, ask a colleague to read it with fresh eyes.
- Proofread: Ensure your application is professional and error-free.
The Bigger Picture
Entering awards isn’t just about recognition – it’s about business growth. The process of applying helps you understand your unique selling points, provides marketing material, and connects you with valuable networks.
Even if you don’t win this time, you’ll have gained valuable insights into your business and created content that can support your marketing efforts for months to come.
Ready to Enter?
Don’t let fear or modesty hold you back. If you’re doing good work in your industry, you deserve recognition. Take the time to plan your application properly, gather strong evidence of your achievements, and be confident about what makes your business special.
Remember: awards are there to celebrate excellence, and if you’re excellent at what you do, you belong in the running. The only way to guarantee you won’t win is by not entering at all.
Need help crafting your award application? Consider working with specialists who understand what judges look for and can help you present your achievements in the most compelling way possible.
There is still time to enter our Business Awards. You can find out more and start your application here.
