Why people don't enter awards

I recently did a talk at an event about business awards, and the first question I asked was, 'Have you ever entered business awards, and if not, why?'

Here are some of the responses

• I've got a half-written application on my laptop right now!
• Nope... don't think I am worthy..
• Not business ones, industry ones yes
• Never. Sounds terrifying!
• Never entered awards - I always miss the deadlines and struggle writing about myself
• Never sure which category to enter.
• I put this in the marketing strategy for my clients but never consider my own business.
• I struggle to understand the difference around the various awards and which are the best ones.

Do any of these comments resonate with you?

I set up The Best Businesswomen Awards ten years ago because of the comments like these I heard people making!

How do you know you are worthy?

If you are making a profit and have good processes in your business plus great reviews - you are worthy!

Entering awards is all about stepping outside your comfort zone.

You started and built your business, and I am sure this was something you never thought you could achieve! So, doing an award entry is another stage in your business development.

No one else can share your achievements in the same way you can.

Of course, you can be nominated for an award, but these tend to be list-building exercises for the organisers and hold little weight if you haven't had to submit details of your business.

So yes, it can be scary, but what is the worst that can happen?

You won't get selected, but the time you spend crafting your entry is time well spent, as it will uncover useful information about your business.

Step out of the comfort zone!

Once you have decided to do this, there are 3 more steps to take!

1. Research

The first step is checking which awards to enter.

Here are a few key questions to ask yourself -

• Do they have a credible judging panel?
• How much is the cost to enter, the tickets to a final and are there any other costs involved ( some charge for logo use, for example)
• Who were last year's winners?
• Do they have any voting? ( if so, run a mile as these are listing building tactics for them and a popularity contest)
• How do they promote their finalists and winners?
• When is the closing date? Never rely on extensions! Note the date they release the finalist list and the date of the final.

2. Choose your category

Once you have decided which awards you are entering, check the categories, and if you have any questions, contact the organiser to get clarification.

Ensure you read the specifications carefully and how many categories you can enter.

3. Write your entry

This is usually the problem as people don't like talking about themselves! In addition, they often don't prioritise the task.

Set time aside and block it out of your diary. If writing isn't your strong point, get someone to help you.

Make sure you can evidence any claims you make in your entry, and be prepared to share your financials. Most credible awards will ask for this information.

Check if you have to give a presentation- some require an online or in-person interview.

Get someone else to check your entry before submitting it, as you might have missed valuable information.

Once you have pressed send, note the dates and then forget about it!

If you get selected shout about it.

If you don't pick yourself up and enter again and look for other awards. Maybe seek some advice on your entry, some awards do give feedback.

The first time I ever entered an award I was rejected, and I have won 11 awards since over the past 12 years and still get rejected!

You never know who you are up against and what their achievements are.

Awards are such a great way to raise your profile so give it a go!

The Best Businesswomen Awards are one of many credible awards in the UK and we are open for entry until 6th June at 6pm.

Find out more here