Someone told us recently that they didn’t like submitting award entries because:
- They’re hard work
- They’re expensive
- They’re self-congratulatory
Right then. Let’s unpack this.
Hard work?
Well, to be fair, anything worth doing takes a degree of hard work. Award submissions are no different, but actually do the hard work once and you can repurpose your content in multiple ways in the future.
In some ways, an awards submission is like a CV for your organisation, so get it right and you can confidently send it to multiple places with the hope of getting noticed in the right way. Of course, each awards scheme will have its own nuances, but once you have the bones of your submission in place, making those minor tweaks will be straightforward.
The content you create for the awards could also prove useful for a range of other purposes, from highlighting all of your positive messaging in job adverts through to providing up-to-date summaries for shareholders or board members.
Expensive?
It’s true, some award schemes cost megadollarbucks. Some are also free. The pricing is what it is, and rather than dismissing awards because of the expense, you need to consider the benefits they will bring to your organisation.
Will the awards get you in front of prospects? Will they allow you to network with people and organisations who could add real value to your mission? Is the awards organiser itself a positive endorsement?
When you think of awards in terms of marketing spend, it makes those costs more palatable. Remember, you’re not paying just for the trophy, it’s also the extra opportunities both online and in the real world.
You can metaphorically dine out on that trophy win long after the awards ceremony too, with social media posts, email signatures, video and photo highlights, and a good old-fashioned press release.
Self-congratulatory?
As an individual you may not ‘like’ awards, but this isn’t just about you. It’s about your clients, your staff, your business and your stakeholders.
Take the ego out of it and think about what’s in the best interests of your organisation. If you want to receive accolades for the hard work you do, and recognise your team for their efforts whilst adding credentials, then you need to get those award submissions in.
Sure, it would be nice to be recognised purely for being a great business without having to jump through hoops, but that’s not very likely to happen. You need to take control of your narrative if you want to boast about being an award-winning organisation.
Remember – if you don’t apply for the award, someone else is going to get it. Don’t let it fall into the wrong hands – get your submission in, get that trophy and put it safely behind a velvet cordon (or similar).
But writing an award application makes me want to cry…
Well, that’s what we’re here for. What? You thought we were going to give you these insights without the hard sell? Think again, champ.
We are well-versed in writing award submissions that tell a story, communicate your key messages and set you apart from the competition.
In January and February this year alone we have submitted applications to various award schemes on behalf of organisations including Gardiner Haskins, TWC Home Improvements, Jazzbones Creative and The Culturevators.
Our applications have been so good that our clients have received multiple shortlistings (and awards TBA in due course)…
Yeah, that got your attention.
Another shameless plug
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