>> Anita Brook is founder of Accounts Assist a growing firm of Chartered Accountants. She’s been advising small business, sole traders and consultants for 12 years.
If business is going well then it’s likely that you’re busy. And if you’re busy, taking time out to fill in lengthy award entry forms might seem like a luxury you just can’t afford. There are, however, considerable benefits to entering these awards and even if you don’t win, they provide an opportunity to reflect on the performance and profile of your company. Every award culminates in a ceremony of some sort, which in itself is a great networking opportunity – often with the better organisations the UK has to offer.
Gain a competitive edge
If you are lucky enough to win, or even be shortlisted for an award, a clear message about the quality of your products and/or service is broadcast to your customers and competitors. Talk about your win at every opportunity – put it on the bottom of emails, on your website and even on business cards and letterheads.
Generate ‘free’ publicity
Nearly all awards gain some publicity, either in trade publications and regional press, or some of the larger ones will generate national media interest. Awards associated with a specific newspaper, website or magazine may profile all entrants prior to the winner being announced and winners will definitely receive a good deal of media coverage across associated press. To make the most out of an award it may be worth employing the services of a PR professional to maximise results.
Reflect on your achievements
Taking the time to complete an awards entry is a fantastic opportunity to consolidate your direction by reflecting on your achievements to date. Many will ask for projected figures and forecasted plans, forcing you to look to the future and scrutinise your position in the market place. If articulating yourself on paper is not your forte, put down your thoughts and get a good copywriter to fill in the entry form. There are companies that specialise in award entries and most PR agencies will offer this service – an objective and experienced pair of eyes may make the difference between success and failure.
Which award should I enter?
There are a huge number of business awards. Some are free to enter, so you may as well. But many ask for some fee. If a fee is payable, check what you get for this – you should expect a prize of some description and good media presence generated by the award organisers.
Large, national awards are obviously the holy-grail, but these will be harder to win. Local awards could be just as beneficial, particularly if your customer base is mainly in one area. Sector specific awards provide an opportunity to make your mark against others in your industry and will generate media interest primarily in the trade press. There are also (as you will see below) a number of awards aimed specifically at women, so perfect for FMWF readers.
Here’s an overview of national awards available for entry in the next few months:
- Natwest everywoman award, http://www.everywoman.com: Specifically for women in business. Deadline: July 31st
- O2 X Award for small businesses (website not yet up): For SMEs in all business sectors. Deadline: Early August
- Startups Awards, http://www.startupsawards.co.uk/: Aimed at new companies (three years old or less) with a wide range of categories to suit any business type. Deadline: September 1st
- Women of the future awards, http://www.womenofthefuture.co.uk. For inspirational business women everywhere. Deadline: September 3rd
- Virtual business of the year, http://peopleperhour.com/awards. Rewarding the best young, virtual businesses. Deadline: September 15th
- Growing business awards, http://www.gba.realbusiness.co.uk : For businesses which show considerable levels of growth. Deadline: Mid September
- The Internet Business Awards, http://internetbusinessawards.co.uk : Celebrating the best UK online businesses. Deadline: September 30th
Tags: Anita Brook, awards, Enterprise Zone, guest blog, small business, SMEs, start-ups
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