Get 2024 Awards Ready...Set...Go!

I love the movie The Castle. One of my fave quotes is “This is going straight to the pool room”. If you want a few trophies for your ‘pool room’, now is the time to get your rear into gear and prepare for a cracker 2024.

I have a few tips on things to think about as you go looking for awards to enter, and then spend months wondering what the hell to write about.

Select wisely: Before you start dreaming of your acceptance speech, choose the right award to aim for. Think of it like dating – make sure it's a good match. If you're the queen of fashion, go for awards that puts your stuff in the shop window. Aim high, but aim smart.

Bling factor: It's not just about the content, but also about presentation. Polish up your entry so it shines like a diamond in a gloomy cave. Spell-check, edit, and maybe add some snazzy graphics to make your submission pop.

Storytelling swagger: Everyone loves a good story. Your journey, your challenges, and your triumphs are like the ingredients of an award-winning recipe. Stir in some humour (but only if you are funny), spice it up with inspiration, and serve it with a side of ‘yeah baby’.

Blame game: Ready to blame your cat, your dog, or the kid who pulled your hair in primary school for your failures? Nah! Own up to your mistakes and setbacks; they're just stepping stones on the path to greatness. Awards love a comeback story.

Networking game: Networking isn't about schmoozing with the bigwigs; it's about building relationships. Share your insights, help others, and remember, the universe has a funny way of rewarding good karma.

Dress for success: Not tuxedos and ball gowns, but your content. Make it eye-catching, thought-provoking, and easy to understand. The judges should go, "Wow, that's brilliant!" not "Huh? That's confusing!"

Sprinklings of you: Add a dash of uniqueness to your entry. Whether it's a crazy twist, an unconventional approach, or a hilarious anecdote, make your submission stand out in a sea of same-old, same-old.

Plan B (and C, and D): Sometimes, Plan A doesn't cut it. Be ready with a Plan B, and maybe even a Plan C and D. Being flexible and adaptable is the secret sauce of award-winning.

Stay golden, Pony Boy: You're awesome because you're you. Don't try to be someone else's version of awesome. Stay true to your self, and your authenticity will shine through.

Love me a checklist

As promised, here is a checklist of things to consider as you plan your dominance of your space in 2024.

• Confirm the reason why you enter awards and the purpose behind it.
• Select the awards program most relevant for your brand, business and ideal audience - what makes the most sense now and for the future.
• Check the award deadline - don't rush this - if you are late, build your entry for next year instead of pushing through a sub-par entry.
• Select the specific category that will give you the best chance and be the most relevant for you to leverage. Take a look at last year's winners to help you choose.
• Begin collecting vital information to support your entry - achievements/qualifications, media wins, sales info, following data, case studies, testimonials...
• Make a note of the award period - you can build in some background, but if it's an annual award, you want to focus on what you achieved in that time-frame.
• Check your diary for events, successes, and key dates where you achieved.
• Read through the award entry questions, highlighting key requirements. Make sure you are clear about what is needed and what they want to be covered.
• Start writing your entry into a Word document (not directly into the awards portal). Start long and edit down to fit the word count, check spelling and get it read through.
• Put together any supporting information - this is not optional (even if it says it is). HERE is a checklist for what you need to collate and gather to create a kickass support package.
• Include graphs, charts, media wins, testimonials, case studies, images, certificates all in the one supporting document, brand it and make it easy to read and professional.
• Consider the support document as evidence you have achieved what is in your entry.
• If relevant, include information about your industry and how your business/process affects change or your community/market/audience.
• Have a final read through to ensure everything is correct before submitting it.
• Open a bottle of something cold and celebrate - you are now an award winning nominee! Congratulations!