Make sure your application tells a good overall story and “paints a picture” of your business or organisation.
Include some key performance indicators.
Make sure what you say is evidenced – use your performance indicators, case studies and testimonials.
Include facts and figures.
Make sure your story stacks up – judges will always find the holes in what you say.
Show your passion and make it captivating.
Make it easy for the reader to easily glean the facts.
Make sure you answer the questions (note there is a maximum word count).
Include what makes you different - how do you stand out from the crowd.
Get someone who doesn’t know your business to read it – they will be able to tell you if it paints that picture!
It is never too early to start. Plan to work on awards entries on quiet days.
Remember to keep within the word limits and to focus your entry on the key points where your arguments are the strongest.
Put your attention on achievements. Judges will look favourably on things you have achieved in the year to date.
Excite the judge, tell a story. Your business is personal to you and we want to hear your passion.
There are no negatives in entering. Even if you don’t reach the finals, there will be a lot to learn from the experience. The results can help your business’s future, and maybe win the award the following year.
Be creative. However, always keep in mind that whatever you do to impress the judges must relate to your business.
Get someone who doesn’t know your business to check your entry form. Fresh eyes always see more.
Follow the rules.
Keep track of time. Make sure you don’t miss out on the closing date.
Make it easy for the judges to understand the entry form.
Check the awards final date and keep it free.
Read the questions. Don’t take anything for granted. The same awards one year may have slightly different questions, cutting and pasting answers from last year may not be the best tactic. There is a chance that some of the judges may be the same.
Don’t assume the judges know everything. Try to think as the judges as English-speaking aliens and explain what your business does and why you do it.
No acronyms and abbreviations! That’s just smth u shouldn’t do. Lol.
Include testimonials from your suppliers; this endorses your business from a client’s perspective.
A letter from your financial advisor or accountant is good evidence for financial statements.
Include your own marketing material. This includes business cards, flyers, brochures, etc.
Double check all your financial figures. Many entrants fail due to the fact that their numbers don’t stack up.
Be as visual as possible. Use photos of staff or of your office if it is relevant.
Make sure to include links or hard copies to any webpages you may want the judges to see.
Don’t be so mono, add a bit of colour. Grab the judge’s attention!
Include any graphs and charts, they are much easier to assess.
Many applications are let down by the attention to detail. Spelling and grammar are important to the judges, even things you write everyday, for example your name, should be double checked. There is always no harm in being too correct.
Don’t forget that the awards organisers will welcome phone calls from people wanting more information.
Don’t assume that the judges will have time to look your business up. Spoiler alert, they don’t.
If you have staff, don’t be afraid to ask for their input. Their creativity might surprise you.
There is no harm in entering. The fact that you have entered does not have to go public, unless you choose to do so.
Think outside of the box. The judges will sure like something that attracts their attention.
If you need assistance in completing an application, please contact us.
