Entering a business award is an excellent way to gain recognition for your hard work, achievements and successes. It can also be a valuable marketing tool, providing exposure for your brand, enhancing your credibility, and helping to attract new customers, clients and investors. However, not all award entries are created equal, which is why some businesses are much more successful than others.
From our long experience (more than 20 years) of writing award entries for go-getting businesses, we know what makes a business award entry successful. Here we share our insights with you.
1. What do you want the judges to know?
The first and most crucial element of a successful award entry is the clarity of your message. What is it precisely that you want the judges to know about you, your business or the project that you’re entering into the award? This means articulating two to four key points in your award submission that you want the judges to understand about you or your business. Communicate these points throughout, using different wording so that your award entry is not too repetitive.
2. Focus on your results
A successful award entry must be results-oriented. It’s not enough to simply describe what you do or how you do it. You need to demonstrate the tangible impact that you, your business or the project had. How did your customers, your team, your industry, community or you yourself benefit?
This means being able to provide specific examples of how you have achieved success and how you have overcome challenges and obstacles along the way. It means providing data, statistics and measurable outcomes that illustrate your success. Providing such evidence will differentiate your entry from the other award entrants. It’s about being able to back up your claims with hard evidence.
3. Be authentic
Another critical element of a successful business award entry is authenticity. Judges are looking for entries that are honest; entries that speak with an authentic voice. They want to see that you have a real love for what you do and that you are committed to making a positive impact on your industry, your customers, and your community. This means writing your business award entry in your own style, staying true to yourself, your brand and your values.
Showcase your strengths and accomplishments without being boastful or arrogant. Avoid embellishing or exaggerating your achievements. Convey your passion, excitement and energy through your writing. Show that you are not just in business to make money but that you genuinely care about making a difference and creating a better world.
4. Describe your creativity and innovation
Successful award entries demonstrate creativity, innovation or improvements. Judges are looking for businesses that are pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, or introducing new and exciting ideas to their industry or business. Highlight new products, services or technologies that you have introduced, even if you bought these off-the-shelf, as well as any unique approaches or strategies that you have implemented. Explain the benefits or outcomes of the innovations. This is your opportunity to show that you’re not content to rest on your laurels but are constantly looking for ways to improve and grow your business.
5. Explain everything clearly and concisely
There are very often strict word count limits for each response to the questions in an award entry. The judges won’t read any content that goes over the word count limit. So keep your entry to the point.
It’s also important to use language that is accessible to a broad audience and to avoid jargon or technical terms that may not be understood by those outside your industry.
Also be sure to print out your draft award entry and to read it through carefully before you submit it. Correct any typos and edit the content where it’s tricky to read so that reads smoothly.
In a nutshell
Successful business award entries have several key elements in common. They explain how the entrant achieved results and give evidence for the results; they explain innovations or improvements that the entrant has introduced; they ‘speak’ with the entrant’s own voice; they show the entrant’s passion and enthusiasm; and the writing is clear, concise and free of errors.
By following these principles, you can submit a business award entry that stands out from your competitors and showcases your business’s achievements and potential.
How can you win a business award?
If you’d like help finding suitable business awards to enter or help with the creation of your award entry, the very experienced award writers at Proof Communications will be delighted to help. Each year we write around 100 award entries for entrepreneurs, SMEs and large businesses.
During our 20 plus years of experience, we’ve written thousands of successful award entries, helping companies to enjoy accolades and recognition.
98% of our clients are shortlisted, and of these, more than 85% win.
Get in touch or ring us on 02 8036 5532 or 0448 566 377 or email chrissy@proofcommunications.com.au.