Winning an award for your business, latest innovation or team members creates a buzz around your brand, demonstrates your successes to customers and gives employees well-deserved recognition for their hard work and achievements. However, when it comes to prioritising marketing activity, award entries are often not given the attention they deserve.  Over the years we have entered awards on behalf of many of our clients and seen first hand the benefits that come from being successful. From the R&D 100 Award to The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards, there is nothing better than gaining recognition for all your hard work (and looking good in front of your customers too!).Celebrate success with your team!

When considering an award programme to enter, remember that bigger doesn’t always mean better. It’s more important to make sure it’s targeted for your business and audience rather than going for the most exclusive awards. By entering a relevant and targeted programme, you will be able to position your brand for potential commercial partnerships, make yourself visible to new clients and perhaps most importantly get a competitive edge over other players in the market. It’s a great business exercise from the get-go. Also consider that it’s the product or service you offer that counts, not the size of your business. If you’re a smaller company, don’t let the scale of an awards ceremony put you off; you should push to get seen alongside the bigger players in your field and exposure like this is a great way of making a big splash about your offering. Be bold, and believe in the innovation that has led you to where you are today. This is your opportunity to impress the experts, and your peers!

So, I hear you ask, how do you write a winning award entry? Here are some simple tips to get you started…

  • Understand what the judges are looking for. Resist the temptation to write reams and reams of information about how wonderful your business or latest product is without asking yourself “Why is this important?” “What makes this unique?” “Who cares?”
  • Don’t overcomplicate things or assume that the judges will understand all the technical jargon related to your entry. There is an art to conveying scientific excellence and innovation in a way that can be easily and fully appreciated by others
  • Make sure your entry is written clearly and in a way that makes it easy for the judges to see why you deserve to win
  • Don’t rush! Give yourself enough time to review and revise your entry to avoid a last minute rush. Remember to look out for early bird discounts too!
  • Get everyone involved. From product managers to the sales team make sure you get their valuable input and perspective into the award rather than just keeping it within the marketing team.
  • Make sure your entry stands out with bold statements, endorsements, and facts and figures but make sure you’re honest!

Award wins, or even making the shortlist, can generate valuable media exposure both with local and trade press so if you are successful don’t be afraid to shout about it…add the logo to your website, tell your customers, display the trophy in your office! Award ceremonies offer a great opportunity to network with your peers and celebrate with customers and other key stakeholders. We believe success breeds success and the more you can show your customers that you are at the forefront of your industry the better!

So if you want to make your business an award-winning one contact us today via [email protected] to find out how we can help!

Ben Johnson, Senior Account Executive at The Scott Partnership