Competitions in your line of business - have you tried?

Comment by Jayne Westwood on March 7, 2012 at 10:27

Alan - firstly congratulations on doing so well on your first attempt - good luck for the finals.

I hope your story might inspire other business owners to consider entering competitions too so I'd like to share a few tips with business owners.  

Firstly, read the instructions!  It is amazing how many applications are dismissed at the initial stage because the company does not meet the criteria so before you invest any time at all, make sure the category you are entering is appropriate.

Secondly, make sure you include all the information required.  I have seen many companies who don't complete the financial information where that is required.  They don't want to share it and think, "well if we get through to the next stage I'll send it then......" Sorry, you won't get any further with an incomplete application.

Thirdly, you only have one chance so don't just take a punt on what you are doing.  Winning an award can bring massive credibility to your business, help you attract new customers, a higher calibre of staff, enable you to raise your prices and a whole host of other benefits.  If you have a great story to tell, do it properly.  If you don't have the skills or time in house, then consider getting someone in to help you put forward a winning application.  Building on this, once you have entered one, you'll probably be able to enter others quite easily using a similar approach.  

And finally, as soon as you hear you are short listed, start working on the publicity plan.  Winning is great but even a nomination can bring great benefits for your company.  

If you are considering entering a business award and would like any further advice, do contact me at jayne@rethinkcompany.com

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