It’s that time of year when many businesses are either attending glitzy awards ceremonies or contemplating whether to submit an entry to one of the many industry awards out there. There’s no doubt that most of us (ok, mainly the ladies) don’t need much of an excuse to get dressed up and enjoy an evening of food, drink and dancing, but what are the benefits of putting your business forward for one of these awards? After all, it can be a costly affair.
Awards are sometimes overlooked in a PR or marketing strategy. Even being shortlisted for a category can improve brand awareness and increase your businesses visibility to potential new customers. Submitting an awards entry offers numerous social media and marketing opportunities, for example, the awards logo can be used on your website and in other marketing material. Regardless of whether you are shortlisted, a finalist or a winner, this is a great chance to promote your business and demonstrate what sets you apart from your competitors.
The process of selecting and preparing awards entries can also be a good opportunity to look at your business from a different perspective and see how you compare to your competitors. To stand out from the crowd you need to demonstrate diversity, growth, innovation and strategic thinking. Often, having to put this down on paper encourages you to consider new ways to do things and identify areas that need improvement.
If you are lucky enough to win an award, this can open many doors, from new business opportunities and the chance to break into new markets to networking with potential clients and making valuable business contacts. In addition, being recognised for the work your business has done is motivating not only for you but for your employees too. Inviting your team to the awards ceremony is the perfect occasion to demonstrate how much they are valued. It also gives them the chance to enjoy a night out and network at the same time.
Of course, there is no guarantee that you will win or even be shortlisted for an award, but that does not mean that you have wasted your time or money. Just throwing your hat in the ring could boost your company’s profile and increase visibility of your brand.