Writing a winning business awards entry can be a challenging and exhilarating endeavour. However, trust me when I say that the rewards of promoting your business are truly worth the effort! By submitting an impressive entry, you have a golden opportunity to elevate your business to new heights and gain well-deserved recognition within your industry.
As an award-winning awards writer who has crafted hundreds of successful business awards nominations, I am frequently asked for advice on what sets apart a winning entry. So, allow me to share some detailed tips that will guide you in creating a truly exceptional business awards entry.
Before you embark on the writing process, let’s go through a few important considerations for a winning business awards entry
- Select the awards program that best suits your business, your achievements and a program that prospective clients are likely to hold in high esteem. Not sure which awards programs are available? We have a handy list. Click here to download the Australian Business Awards List.
- Begin by exploring the available awards that cater to your business. Carefully select the awards program that aligns best with your recent achievements, your team’s efforts, and your business objectives.
- Pay close attention to the entry guidelines or rules provided by the awards program organisers. These guidelines serve a purpose, and adhering to them demonstrates your commitment to the process. Neglecting to follow the guidelines may result in your entry being rejected.
- Thoroughly review the awards program’s terms and conditions to ensure that your business meets all the eligibility criteria. For instance, if your business has 15 employees, determine whether you should enter the small or medium-sized business section.
- Take some time to evaluate the different awards categories available and choose the ones that align most closely with your business objectives. Consider the nature of your business and identify a specific category that corresponds to the product or service you deliver. Selecting the correct category can make all the difference between winning and losing!
Understand what’s being asked of you…
- Read each question carefully and analyse its requirements. Take notes on your answers and gather compelling evidence to support your claims.
- If you find yourself struggling to answer one or more questions, or if you identify areas of your business that need improvement, it may be worth waiting until the following year to submit your entry. Utilise this time to address those areas and strengthen your chances of success.
- Don’t solely focus on your achievements; emphasise the specific outcomes you deliver for your clients. Clearly explain how your business contributes to the industry and positively impacts the local community.
- Remember, it’s the little details that set your business apart and make it worthy of recognition. Pay careful attention to those important points.
Now, let’s delve into the process of writing your winning business award entry
- Read the question again. Ensure that your responses directly ANSWER THE QUESTION being asked. This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how often awards entrants tell a great story … without ANSWERING THE QUESTION! Avoid vague or irrelevant responses that could potentially diminish the quality of your entry.
- When responding, provide specific examples and include figures that effectively showcase your business’s performance. You can even enhance he judge’s understanding by incorporating visually appealing graphs or charts. Canva is an excellent tool for preparing these graphics.
Ask for input from your team and clients
- Whenever possible, acknowledge and highlight the achievements of your team members. Consider nominating your most outstanding team member for an individual award. This not only demonstrates your leadership skills, but also emphasises the collaborative nature of your business.
- Where feasible, include testimonials or endorsements from satisfied clients and partners to enhance the credibility of your entry.
- Utilise concise case studies or customer success stories to illustrate the tangible outcomes that your product or service delivers. Weave a compelling narrative that captivates the judges and effectively showcases the positive impact your business has made.
Tell a story about what you’ve overcome and your proudest achievements
- Don’t shy away from discussing the challenges you’ve encountered and successfully overcome. Sharing your journey of resilience and growth adds a significant level of credibility to your organisation.
- Before submitting your entry, seek the assistance of an independent proofreader to review your work – even if that’s one of your friends or a family member. Typos and grammatical errors can be easily overlooked after repeatedly reviewing the same text. Another set of eyes can help you catch any overlooked mistakes and ensure the utmost professionalism.
- Be sure to stay within the word limit for each answer. Going over the word limit will result in the latter part of your response being cut off by the online portals used by most awards organisers. Strive to keep your answers concise but ensure that you provide enough detail to impress the judges.
By following these comprehensive tips and incorporating the necessary details, you will be well-equipped to create a winning business awards entry that truly stands out from the competition.
Congratulations, you’re a winner…. now what?
Participating in, being shortlisted as a finalist, and winning business awards can significantly enhance your business’s profile and reputation. Winning not only elevates your standing within the local community but also among your current and potential clients. If the awards have state or national levels, reaching those stages amplifies the impact even
further.
Winning an award proves that an impartial party recognises your excellence, positioning you as an industry leader. After submitting your entry, it’s crucial to plan how to publicise your achievement and attract more business.
Prepare a comprehensive action plan to capitalise on the announcement of your win and leverage it for further growth. Utilise all your social media platforms, local print media, and any business networks that you’re a part of to spread the word about your success.
The Next Step?
Is awards glory on your horizon? Now is the time to prepare. Our innovative new digital product, AWARDS READY WORKBOOK +BONUSES, is meticulously designed to ensure you don’t just enter, but dominate. Gain access to insider tips and techniques that spotlight your business’s strengths and propel you to victory. Dive into our workbook and be prepared to succeed.
As demonstrated above, if you aim to secure an Australian business award, creating an outstanding submission is crucial. That’s where our expertise comes into play. We’ve proudly maintained a 96.25% success rate for our clients, whether they’re being shortlisted or winning the awards we’ve collaborated on. We love highlighting our clients’ achievements and are privileged to support them in their success.
If you’d like our assistance with preparing your business award submission, please reach out via our Contact Page. Early booking is essential for us to work together on an application that has the best chance of winning. Additionally, please feel free to share this article with anyone who might find it helpful—just use the share buttons below or connect with Lyndall on LinkedIn.
