by Rachel Harris | Digital Marketing Manager
Applying for awards can be a bit daunting, can’t it?
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about putting yourself out there but… if you’re not going to brag about your achievements, then who is?
We know writing about yourself and your business can be tough, but you can’t be afraid to share your achievements. In business, you need to be your own number one cheerleader and part of that is acknowledging the awesome stuff that you’ve accomplished. Starting and running a business is hard so you’ve definitely earned bragging rights! 💪
Need some convincing? We thought you might. Below, we’ve compiled some of the top reasons we say you should go for it! ✨
It’s a chance to practice your storytelling ✍
Just think of our old frenemy the elevator pitch. The more you practice, the better you get at sharing what you do. It’s the same with award applications.
The time and effort you put into writing your application -even if they’re not always successful- is time spent finessing your storytelling, your mission statement. It’s time spent assessing what you do, how you do it and most importantly why. When you’re able to answer those three questions succinctly, it’ll help you right across the business, especially in sales and marketing.
You’ll also be able to use parts of your application for your website, your social media and those all-important future applications!
The Recognition 😎
Who doesn’t get a little warm and fuzzy when they get a compliment? Getting shortlisted is a real buzz and is great for your morale (and if you have a team, it’s great for theirs too!) It’s a pat on the back, an acknowledgement that you’re doing something right and getting recognised for it. This is particularly important for a business owner who doesn’t have a manager to tell them well done and compliment their work.
The Publicity 📰
The guys running the awards will be sharing your name and brand far and wide if you get shortlisted and especially if you win. Plus you’ll be able to share the good news across your own channels as well. This is a brilliant way to get more exposure for your business.
Increased credibility 🤓
Who doesn’t feel a little more confident in a business when you see ‘Award Winning’ in front of the name? Winning, or even being shortlisted for an award will increase your credibility with current and potential customers. It might make all the difference between a potential client going with you or another company. It’s also likely to help you secure funding and investment.
The Networking opportunities 🤝
Awards -whether they’re virtual or in person- are a brilliant way to expand your network. Not only will you be mixing with the cream of the crop, but you’ll also be meeting fellow competitors (opening up collaboration opportunities), potential clients and possibly investors. Plus, it’s always nice to have an excuse to party.
Prizes! 🎁
As well as certificates and trophies, some awards come with other prizes like business support and cash. Need we say more?
So what are you waiting for? There’s no shortage of awards to apply for so take the plunge and find the right one for you. For tips on writing an award winning application, read more here.