Why entering awards is good for business
Entering awards are good for your business, your brand, and your people. This article explores the benefits of entering awards and how to get the most value for your business.
Awards give your business a story of excellence, build your industry profile, and recognise the hard work and achievements of your team.
While winning is great, and is often rewarded with a trophy, press interviews and bragging rights, but don’t underestimate the value and promotional opportunities of entering and not taking home the gold.
This is why you should enter awards and thoughts on how to leverage your entry, and how to step it up when you win.
Brand differentiation
Becoming an award-winning business is a great way to set yourself apart from your competition. It also aligns your business with the best of industry, giving your customers another reason to select you over another business in your sector.
Promotion - celebrate your entry and your result
Being associated with an industry or business award is an excellent PR opportunity before, during and after the event. As soon as you have entered, start sharing your story, pride at entering and aligning your brand with the award brand which is likely to include; excellence, leadership and prestige.
In the lead up to and during the event share your journey with your audience; build your story of excellence, share your teams excitement leading up to attending the awards, and pride at attending the ceremony.
Building Relationships
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know, and building connections with other entrants cannot be under-estimated.
Win, loose or draw, be gracious and promote, celebrate and support all entries in your category with a post on social media and phone call to personally congratulate fellow entrants. Not only is it good manners, it aligns your brand with the best in class and that’s always a good thing.
Take a step back from your business
Preparing your entry forces you to step back and look at your business from a different perspective. You will identify your strengths, weaknesses, achievements, uncover new opportunities and interrogate and refine your business and marketing strategy.
The process will uncover opportunities for improvement, and that’s got to be good for business.
Boosts team morale
Awards remind your team of the great work that has been done, why they should be proud of their effort, and give everyone an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements.
Regardless of winning, entering or being a finalist, awards are a very public way of recognising everyone’s hard work and commitment.
Build your credibility
When awards are judge by industry-leaders and experts, winning builds recognition of your teams work, and certifies your place within the industry. Feedback on your entry from industry experts is invaluable resource you may not normally have access to.
Attracting talent and investment
Businesses who enter and win awards are recognised as being or inspiring to be best in class. This positioning helps attract and retain the best employees, and opens doors and dialog with partners, alliances and potential investors.
Entering awards are good for your business, your brand and your people, giving you a story of excellence and commitment to share with your audience to build your business profile, and recognise the hard work and achievements of your team.
Nominations for the Victorian Tourism Awards close on 30th June
We encourage our tourism colleagues to nominate and enter the 2021 Victorian Tourism Awards.
Now is the time to celebrate your business, tourism in Victoria, and share your story of resilience and excellence with your loyal supporters and potential visitors.
Our founder, Alison McDowell is a six year veteran Victorian Tourism Awards Judge. If you need to be convinced how important entering the awards are for your business and your town, give Ali a call on 0411 135 317 or email alison@roadmapstrategy.com.au
Find out more
About the 2021 Victorian Tourism Awards
