Why Hiring an Award Writing Specialist Isn’t Cheating—It’s a Smart Move

When the topic of hiring an award writing specialist comes up, some think it's cheating or disingenuous. You see the outraged cries of ‘of course they won, they had help.’ or ‘it’s unfair, I wrote my own’. Some see using a specialist as taking away the authenticity of their submission, or that those who use a specialist have an unfair advantage.?

This perspective doesn’t hold water, and why enlisting a specialist is actually a smart, strategic move for your business.

Award writing specialists are like any other experts you’d hire—think accountants for your books, lawyers for your legal stuff, or Facebook ad specialists for your marketing. They know the ins and outs of award criteria and what judges are looking for. This know-how means your submission isn't just a dry list of achievements or a boring recitation of facts and data; it becomes a compelling story that stands out from the pack.

The Misconception of Cheating

1. Perceived Lack of Authenticity: Some believe that having someone else write their award submission means the story isn’t genuinely theirs.
2. Unfair Advantage: There’s a notion that writing the submission themselves is the "right" way to do it. They believe outsourcing could give them an unfair advantage or diminish the value of their accomplishments.
3. Misunderstanding the Role: Many people don’t understand what an award writing specialist actually does. They might think it’s just about fancy writing, rather than strategic storytelling.

Why It’s Not Cheating

Writing your own award submission is harder than it seems. When you're so close to your business, it's tough to step back and see what truly makes it special. Plus, self-promotion can feel awkward, and finding the time to run everything else is nearly impossible.

Here’s why hiring a specialist is not only above board, but also a great business decision:

1. Storytelling To The Max: A specialist doesn’t invent facts or achievements; they work with what you provide. They help you present your story in the best possible light, ensuring it’s clear, compelling, and aligns with what judges are looking for.
2. Levelling the Playing Field: Think of it like this: just as you’d hire a graphic designer to create a professional logo or a marketer to promote your brand, hiring a writer ensures your submission is polished and professional. It’s about playing to your strengths and getting expert help where needed.
3. Focus On What Matters: Specialists have a keen eye for what makes a submission stand out. Many people gloss over important facts, not realising that it's those unspoken pearls of insights and experiences are what makes an award submission pop. They know how to effectively highlight your achievements, and can identify unique angles that you might miss because you're too close to the subject.
4. Presentation Counts: Award submissions have specific criteria and formats. A specialist knows how to navigate these requirements and can ensure your submission meets all guidelines, making it easier for judges to appreciate your story.
5. Focused Efficiency: Preparing a high-quality submission is time-consuming. Hiring a specialist allows you to focus on running your business while they handle the heavy lifting of telling your story. This efficiency doesn’t detract from your authenticity; it enhances your ability to communicate your achievements effectively.
6. Experienced Fresh Perspective: Award writers bring expertise and a fresh perspective, highlighting strengths and achievements you might overlook. They know how to frame your story to meet the award criteria, increasing your chances of success.
7. Time Isn’t On Your Side: Preparing an award submission is time-consuming. By outsourcing, you free up valuable time to focus on running your business. The specialist handles the detailed work, ensuring a high-quality submission without distracting you from your core activities.
8. Cost vs Price: While there’s an upfront cost, the potential return on investment is significant. Winning awards can boost your credibility, attract new clients, and open doors to new opportunities, making the initial expense worthwhile.
9. Spit & Polish: Specialists know how to craft a polished, professional submission that stands out. Their expertise ensures that your hard work and achievements are presented in the best possible light, giving you an edge over the competition.
10. You’ve Got The Power: Working with a specialist doesn’t mean losing control. You are involved in the process, providing input and feedback every step of the way. It’s a collaborative effort to ensure your story is told accurately and compellingly.

Hiring an award writing specialist is about leveraging expertise to ensure your hard work and achievements get the recognition they deserve. It’s a strategic investment in your business’s future. By presenting your story in the best possible way, you increase your chances of winning (doesn’t guarantee it; it is ALWAYS up to the judges who are human despite the criteria as the lodestone).

As a business owner, it’s tempting to try to wear all the hats and do everything yourself. After all, no one knows your business better than you. Taking on every task solo can actually be more of a hindrance than a help. Your strengths lie in running your business and driving it towards success. Focusing on what you do well and outsourcing other tasks means you can focus on working in your business.

Next time you’re considering entering an award, don’t let the misconception of cheating or not being authentic hold you back. Outsourcing is smart business.