Awards research

How do you know the best awards to enter for your business?

This is a question I get asked a lot.

Here are my thoughts.

Research

Like anything we do in business research is key.

If you have never entered awards before look at local business awards or your industry first.

Most counties have awards, many are run by Chambers some are independent.

Check the website Awards List for a list of lots of awards across the UK

You can also do a Google search or look at what your competitors have won!

Once you have decided which awards you are going to enter - here are a few points to consider.

• Look at the judges, previous winners, sponsors and their social media. This will give you a real feel for the awards and who is involved.
• Are they promoting their finalists?
• Is their judging panel credible?
• Walk away if you need to garner votes! This isn't a real business award- this is a popularity contest and a win for the awards organiser for growing their email list!
• What are the entry fees?
• Do you need to do an in person presentation or online? Or a judges interview.
• Check all the dates, when they open and close and the awards final. Make sure you can work to those and attend the awards night.

Choose your category

Look at the categories and work out which ones you are eligible for.

• Do you fit the criteria?
• Can you supply evidence?
• What do you want to be known for?

Industry expert, best business, new business or best customer service are usually some of the categories on offer.

Check the questions

Take a good look at the questions and decide if you will be able to answer these and evidence your answers. Make sure you can do this by the deadline.

If writing award entries is not your strong point there are plenty of people who do this and can help.

You win an award you haven't entered!

There are a few emails doing the rounds again informing people they have won an award they haven't entered!

We should name and shame these companies but we won't.

Be warned they are not real awards.

They will pester you to advertise, spend money on a trophy or a trip for a photo in front of a banner. They find your details on networking sites and social media and will tell you that you have won!

If you haven't entered and submitted your business information how could you possibly win an award. Its fake. Delete and ignore as some are also phishing scams.

So do your research - find the right awards to enter that are credible and if you win or a finalist will give your business recognition and a competitive edge.

If you want to listen to inspiring stories from award winning businesses, judges and sponsors of awards check out The Business Awards Show a weekly podcast all about awards!