And the winner is ...

How do you react when you see a company is award-winning?

Are you curious to find out what accolade they have received, or do you dismiss it out of hand?

Some awards are naturally more prestigious than others. You only have to think of that scene from Elf when Buddy goes into the café claiming to serve ‘the best coffee in the world' to be skeptical but there are plenty of authentic business awards that not only recognise your expertise or excellence in a certain area but also offer good PR opportunities.

In a crowded marketplace, awards set you apart from your competitors. They demonstrate that you excel in your area of expertise, making it easier for customers to choose your products or services. Your award can become a powerful selling point, giving you a competitive advantage that can drive growth and profitability.

The awards process

Entering an award can be a time-consuming process but it can be a beneficial exercise. Pulling together the story of what you have achieved over the year, looking at client testimonials, your financial growth, or innovations is hugely motivating. As well as using the material to complete the award entry form, share it in other ways, with your staff in team meetings or newsletters, or with your customers. Even if you don’t win, use the evidence you have gathered to remind you and others, of all you have achieved and be proud of how far you have come in the last 12 months.

If you are shortlisted or win an award, use it as an opportunity to celebrate with your staff, customers, friends, or colleagues.

Awards often come with invitations to exclusive events, ceremonies, and gatherings. These are usually suitable events at which to host your key clients, favourite suppliers, or potential new clients.

Awards don't just benefit you; they also boost employee morale and motivation. When your team sees their hard work and contributions recognised, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to achieving excellence. This positive environment can lead to increased productivity and innovation within your organisation.

As well as recognising your existing staff, potential recruits are going to be attracted to an award-winning company.

Now you’ve won, make the most of it

Winning an award provides a golden opportunity for marketing and public relations. You can leverage the recognition in your promotional materials, press releases, and social media campaigns. Share the news with your audience, highlighting your accomplishments and emphasising how they benefit your customers.

Share the news of your award through various channels, including your website, social media, newsletters, and press releases. Create visually appealing content to showcase your accomplishment.

Mention your awards prominently on your LinkedIn profile. This adds instant credibility and can attract attention from potential employers, clients, or partners.

Use your awards to secure new clients, partnerships, or investment opportunities. Highlight how your accolades benefit your customers and partners.

Recognise and reward your team for their contributions to the award-winning project. Nothing motivates a workforce like a thank you.

Entering and winning awards can be a game-changer for your career or business. The recognition, credibility, and opportunities they bring are invaluable assets. By effectively promoting your awards and leveraging them to your advantage, you can propel yourself or your organisation to new heights of success.

The next time you see someone you know has won an award, congratulate them. It may be a minor accolade that you have never heard of, but the fact that they took the time to enter, and put themselves up to be judged, takes guts and deserves to be applauded.