Industry Awards, are they worth the cost and effort?
Sam Taylor
Creative Director at TINKER TAYLOR video agency | Storytellers I Collaborators
I was never been one for entering awards.
I had always felt, as the title suggests they are an ego massaging, expensive, time consuming drain on the bottom line...however I have, in recent years, been persuaded by my peers that they are brilliant NBD / PR tool - and so, on occasions, we now apply.
The key to deciding on whether to enter an award or not is to focus on whether it offers quality benefits, backed up by value (both time and financially).
There is no doubt that seeing piece of work you are particularly proud of on a shortlist, it is a nice feeling. Someone other than you, your team and your clients acknowledging you have produced a strong piece of work is kind of nice. If it helps to start some conversations and gain TT a little more exposure, even better.
But for me, more than the 'ego tickling' and increased brand exposure for the business, awards are an opportunity to 'stop and smell the roses'.
Working at a small, growing, creative company is great fun, but it is at times stressful, working long hours, juggling clients 'wants' with what our expertise tells is they need can be a tricky path to walk.
So for me, these awards evenings and subsequent awards are an opportunity to say thank you to my 'right hand gal' Sam Slingsby, to all of the Tinker Taylor team, to our multitude of creative collaborators and friends - and most importantly to my clients, for trusting us with their campaigns.
Entering your business into an award can generate unmeasurable amounts of morale within your teams.
We've received some rather fabulous accolades over the years, none more surprising and gratifying than receiving a Royal Television Society Award for our series of hard hitting short films for the Police Federation of Northern Ireland, #WeAreYou The Chairmans Award at the Drum Awards was rather special too.
So whilst we are picky with what we enter, I have been talked round. Awards are OK by me! If you would like to see what makes me so darned proud, just click here.