Awards. You see them all around you, celebrating the best in various industries, and you can't help but wonder, "Could my business be one of those celebrated success stories?"

The answer is a resounding YES!

Winning awards isn't reserved for a select few. Ohhhh no! It’s within reach for every entrepreneur willing to put in some effort and there are so many benefits. So, if you're ready to step into the spotlight, claim the recognition you deserve, and make an impact, let's dive in.

These are the essential steps of preparing a winning award entry.

📆 Timing Is Everything

One of the most common mistakes is waiting until the last minute to start your award entry. Winning takes time, and quality entries are often the result of careful planning and execution.

Mark your calendar with award submission deadlines, and work backward to allocate ample time for research, drafting, editing, and proofreading.

Starting early allows you to craft a compelling story and gather evidence to support your achievements effectively.

I know this can be tricky if you’re nominated by someone else but you can prepare the generic stuff somewhere centrally to use each time.

🏆 Know Your Awards Inside Out

Every award has its unique criteria, categories, and judging criteria.

Take the time to thoroughly understand the specific awards you plan to enter. What are the judges looking for? What categories align with your strengths and achievements?

Then customise your entry to match the award's requirements, highlighting the aspects that make your business stand out.

I can help with this with a bespoke awards plan.

📉 Gather Evidence and Data

Strong award entries are backed by solid evidence.

Collect data, metrics, and testimonials that demonstrate the impact of your work.

Quantify your achievements wherever possible, and use concrete examples to illustrate your success. This not only validates your claims but also makes your entry more compelling to judges.

As mentioned above - it’s worth keeping this info somewhere central so you can add to it, pick up what you need and have a lovely pot of great data that reminds you how far you’ve come.

📖 Craft a Compelling Narrative

Your award entry is your opportunity to tell your business's story, so make it captivating.

Start with a powerful opening that grabs the judges' attention. (I personally love a snippet of an awesome testimonial.)

Highlight your journey, challenges, and how you overcame them. Showcase your unique selling points and what sets you apart from the competition.

Use every storytelling technique at your disposal to make your entry memorable.

👓 Follow Guidelines and Proofread

Pay close attention to the submission guidelines provided by the awarding body. Missing key criteria or exceeding word limits can hurt your chances - massively.

Once you've drafted your entry, proofread it meticulously. Typos and grammatical errors can distract judges from your achievements. Consider seeking a second pair of eyes to review your entry 👀.

Check out my signature support here if that’s something that would give your entry that added “omph’!

🚀 Showcase Your Wider Impact

Awards often recognise not just business success but also the positive impact on the industry or community.

Highlight how YOUR work has made a difference, whether it's through innovation, sustainability, or community involvement.

It’s becoming increasingly important (and often crucial) that entries show a commitment to a broader purpose.

👀 Make it Visual

The old maxim is that a picture paints a thousand words. This is never more true than when it comes to award entries.

If you have opportunity to submit supporting documents, take advantage with as much imagery as you can muster: team photos, accreditations, graphs, press coverage… Combining all this in one document that summarises your entry is ideal and ensures a memorable entry.

But what if you can’t submit supporting documents?

Then add relevant links into the written entry itself. This could be to blogs, press articles or longer testimonials. Just remember to use a link shortener such as bitly.com

☎ Seek Professional Assistance

Preparing an awards entry can be a daunting and time-consuming task, especially when you're juggling other responsibilities.

So working with a professional awards strategist and writer will ensure your entry stands out.

I have the experience and expertise to craft a compelling entry that maximises your chances of success while you concentrate on doing all the fantastic things you’re clearly already doing.

Ready to Win?

Winning awards can significantly boost your business's visibility and credibility. It's a tangible way to showcase your accomplishments and dedication.

So, don't hesitate — start planning your award entries today. With careful preparation, a compelling narrative, and a focus on impact, you'll be well on your way to claiming the recognition you rightfully deserve.

For personalised assistance and guidance on your awards entry strategy, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help you achieve greater recognition and greater impact. Book a no-obligation call with me now to see if this works for you and take your first step to award-winning success.