Winning with Strategy: The Art of Awards Submissions

The Importance of an Awards Submission Strategy?

Awards are more than just accolades or bragging rights — they are powerful tools for amplifying your firm’s brand visibility, credibility, and growth. As someone who has successfully navigated the awards landscape for over 15 years, I understand that a strategic approach to submissions can make all the difference. With honors such as Design: Retail’s 40 Under 40 and The President’s Award for Volunteer Service, I bring a wealth of experience in submitting awards for my work and on behalf of client firms.??

The key to doing award pursuits right is a well-thought-out strategy. It can save you a WORLD of time and effort on expensive, low-ROI submissions and get you one step closer to reaching your ideal client.?

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Understanding the Strategy Behind Award Submissions?

Simply put, everyone dreads award submissions, and they rarely take the time to challenge what was done in the past. Most firms don’t consider that a different approach to award pursuits could better support the company’s growth strategy.??

A more strategic approach means making informed decisions about which awards to pursue — much like deciding whether to chase a new project. Before picking awards to go after, research which ones align with your firm’s strengths and market goals, with these questions in mind:??

• Is Bigger Really Better? Often, niche recognition can expand your reach more strategically than the high-profile ones (not to mention they are more accessible). Every firm should balance both large and small award types, with an emphasis on geographic diversity, to expand reach.??

• Do Your Submissions Speak to Your Audience? Submit for awards that your target audience holds in high regard — not just your peers. I suggest a healthy mix of client-facing magazines and industry-leading platforms that cater to your current market sectors, as well as new ones that you may be looking to grow.?

• What Project is Strongest for this Award? Let’s be honest, we’ve all played internal politics and submitted two projects for the same award to avoid upsetting a colleague or inviting drama in the workplace. It’s better that your firm doesn’t dilute its chances by competing against itself by choosing one flagship project per award type.?

With whatever awards you choose, each submission must serve a purpose in elevating your firm’s profile — and they must be crafted with this in mind.?

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Crafting a Winning Submission?

A winning submission begins with knowing what governing institutions are looking for. Research the awarding organization and publishing body to tailor your submission to their aesthetics and values. For instance, if you consider many design magazines, their award winners typically carry similar project photography styles and material palettes, creating a cohesive look for the magazine, regardless of the market sector. But remember, it’s not just about what project you did and how it looks —it’s about why you did it. You’ll succeed if you craft a compelling narrative that goes beyond the technical aspects of the project to tell the story of your project’s impact.?

Winning projects incorporate cohesive storytelling, a variety in full-view and close-up photography shots, and imagery that showcases the details in the story. It’s always smart to look at the winning submissions from previous years to get a better understanding of what typically stands out to judges.?

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Strategic Award Submissions as a Path Toward Growth?

In summary, a strategic approach to award submissions is not just about winning; it’s about maximizing opportunities that drive firm growth. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, consider re-evaluating your award pursuits with these insights in mind. If you need help with assessing or transforming your award submission strategy, our expertise is just a call away.?

Reach out to me directly for a call!