Why Entering Business Awards Is Good For You

There are many reasons to enter awards. You’ve probably read the obvious ones - why they are good for business credibility, standing out from the competition, boosting team morale and creating excellent public relations.?

?

Given most entries will not take home a trophy or medal, why would you, as a business person, with one hundred things to do in a week, take time out of your busy schedule to put your business or self up from an award??

?

Being involved in an awards process has many serendipities not often written or talked about. These serendipities are the little bonuses that come with putting yourself out there and being prepared to back yourself in business.?

?

The feel good factor - many of us never take the time to reflect on our achievements. When you are in small business, it is like life in the fast lane; there is always something to do.? Finding the time to smell the roses is a luxury. However, when you enter an award, you have to look back over your business to review what you have achieved. As you read back over the list of achievements, you realise what an impact you have had in your space. You feel proud and accomplished. Your body is hit with dopamine, the feel good chemical, as you pat yourself on the back.?

?

Winners are grinners - even if you don’t get the trophy or medal, there is something special about knowing you took the time to create your submission and put your business out there to be assessed and judged. You should feel good about this. So many people had the same opportunity as you and chose not to have a go. Winning is not always about standing on the stage; it is about putting in the effort and being prepared to dig deep into your business.??

?

Your cheer squad will champion you - think back to all the social media posts of colleagues and business owners who share their successes. One thing all these posts have in common is the love and support people’s connections shower on them. People love to support those willing to step out from the crowd and back themselves. It is a big thing to enter an award, and your followers know this.??

?

It is not all about you - in the minds of your followers, you inspire them to bigger and better things when you share your awards journey. So many people are shoulda, coulda, and woulda people - they want the accolades, but are not ready to enter an award. By sharing your journey, you encourage others to enter.??

?

Fall back in love with your business - when you look back over your business, review your successes, it is a good reminder of why you started, the skills you have learned, the people you have helped, the impact on your industry and how far you have come. As you write your submission, reflect on all you have done. You will find it hard not to feel love for what you have created.??

?