Gemma Johnson, 36, founder of the BaBeeCard should know. She’s won a number of awards in the years since running her business in 2007. “It gives you a great sense of direction to enter business awards, assured Gemma. “The process makes you focus on what you have achieved so far and where you want your career to go she adds.â€
Gemma’s BaBeeCard – the prepaid MasterCard for families – has already won three awards for the Best Prepaid MasterCard Award for the past three years and Gemma has won the Women in Finance 2010 award, among others. In March 2011, Gemma won the Mumsclub Business Awards, Category Resilience for overcoming some serious hurdles in the early days of her business.
It seems the recognition is great for you and those you represent. Just entering an award acknowledges that you believe in your team hence giving a huge boost to your colleague’s confidence.
Winning an award can speak volumes to your audience and suppliers too you can use the recognition in marketing material for months afterwards, create press releases and news on the actual awards and use it as a real selling tool for your business which can open many doors.
It also gives you a chance to impress your clients and potential customers promoting what is currently good about your business – perhaps you may enter because of an innovative product, for overcoming business hurdles or that you have excellent customer service
Whether you are a business owner, or an employee do keep your eyes out for awards that are relevant to your business and more importantly where your business is right now.
“Only apply for awards that sit with where you are in the business cycle,†advises Gemma.
When entering an award programme, really think about your unique selling point and what makes you different and stand out from the crowd. Look back at case studies and examples that you can cite in your application form, to give credibility to your application. Ensure you check your application for spelling, grammar and that it reads well.
“Don’t be afraid to ring the host if you don’t understand a question,†explains Gemma. Be sure to answer questions that are only relevant to you in a clear and concise manner.â€
The build-up to the awards can be hugely exciting and lends itself to be a fantastic learning curve for your business. It gives you a chance to re-asses your business plan, to realise what you have achieved and to network and promote the fact that you are in the running for a potential award. The networking and publicity opportunities in the months prior to the awards alone can really boost your credibility and enhance your business profile.
And if you are lucky enough to win an award or even to be shortlisted for one, make sure you use this on all your promotional and marketing material. Carry logos and signatures from the award on your emails, websites and leaflets. Send out press releases promoting your win and make sure you customers know!
Where to find awards that you can enter
A simple Google search for industry awards will detail general business awards, along with news on industry recognition.
Narrow down to your industry or genre by looking at industry bodies, associations and business advice websites and magazines.
Sign up for newsletters for industry relevant journals/news so you can keep up to date with awards.
Sector specific websites often run awards, such as Mumpreneur awards, start-up and enterprising sectors.
Look at your competitors – what awards have they won and how can you find out more about them?
