This time next week Rodders...

I will be at an awards ceremony. 

It will be a BIG day for me, whether I win or not, having already made the final 5 in a national competition run by Enterprise Nation, a network of over 75,000 small businesses and business advisers that has helped thousands of people achieve their goals.

I have already made the #Top50Advisers list which is pretty cool and I'm now down to the FINAL 5 in my category of PR advisers.

Of course, I have a plan for whether I do WIN or I don't and either way, I will be making a song and dance about it.

The problem is, when I see OTHER people and businesses winning awards or making shortlists, I don't see them really leveraging the opportunity. So, in the spirit of transparency, here is what I will be doing. 

If you think about it, I'm already doing it now with this newsletter.

1. Announce that I have made the Top 50 and indeed the final 5. Blog, social media and newsletter. I have also let some choice media contacts know. That isn't to jump the gun, it has two motives - to flag it as a POTENTIAL story and get it on the radar should I win and also to flush out any other opportunities they may need for comment in the lead up and aftermath of the event.

2. Plan and write a direct mail campaign which will dovetail with a lead magnet - basically a FREE download - on how and why you should enter awards using myself and other clients as the case studies.

3. Be ready to share the day and the evening of the awards on social media, joining in the chat to explore potential joint ventures and forge new alliances with like-minded business owners.

4. Ensure I get a photo at the awards, win or not, so that I can leverage the opportunity on getting back to the office.

5. Should I WIN, release the story to the press and across all social media channels. Seek to position myself further as an expert in my field.

This is by no means and exhaustive account of my media and marketing machinations but I wanted to show you what can be done at a MINIMUM so that when you are next up for an award, you can make the most of it.

Who knows if I will win, it is a lonnnnngggg shot but I thank you for your support so far. Here's to next week.

PS, if my PR tips and tricks have helped you at all over the years, could you PLEASE do me a small favour and vote for me HERE. 

It really will take about 30 seconds but it really COULD be a game-changer for me.

Greg

Also, if you want a FREE chat with me about how to identify and enter awards for YOUR business, click HERE