Inspiring Herts Awards Elevate your brand at Inspiring Herts Awards

In the competitive world of business, differentiation is key. One often-overlooked strategy for standing out is entering industry awards. Beyond the potential for a trophy, awards offer tangible benefits that can elevate a brand, boost employee morale and unlock new opportunities.

However, winning requires more than just entering; crafting an award-winning entry is an art in itself.

The benefits of business awards

Credibility and trust: Winning or even being shortlisted for an award signals to customers, partners and stakeholders that your business excels. It’s a third-party endorsement of your quality, innovation or leadership, which can be a game-changer in securing new business.

Marketing and visibility: Awards provide a platform for visibility. Winners and nominees often benefit from media coverage, social media buzz and opportunities to showcase their expertise. An award logo on your website or promotional materials can enhance your marketing efforts and attract new customers.

Employee engagement: Recognition through awards boosts employee morale and loyalty. When staff see their hard work acknowledged, it fosters a sense of pride and motivates them to maintain high performance.

Networking and growth: Awards ceremonies and related events are invaluable networking opportunities. Meeting industry peers, potential clients, or collaborators in a celebratory setting can lead to long-term partnerships and growth.

Benchmarking success: The process of entering awards forces businesses to reflect on their achievements, define their unique value and set goals for future improvement.

Five tips for writing an award-winning entry

Understand the criteria: Before starting, thoroughly read the award’s criteria and guidelines. Tailor your responses to address every requirement explicitly. Judges are looking for clarity and relevance, so don’t leave them guessing.

Tell a story: Data and achievements are important, but the most memorable entries weave these into a compelling narrative. Highlight challenges you overcame, innovation you implemented and the impact of your efforts. A human element can make your entry resonate with judges.

Be specific and back claims with evidence: Vague statements like “we provide excellent customer service” don’t stand out. Instead, include specific metrics or testimonials. For example: “Customer satisfaction rose by 25 per cent over six months, supported by feedback scores from over 1,000 respondents.”

Use clear, concise language: Judges may review hundreds of entries, so keep your language simple and direct. Avoid jargon and focus on delivering your message effectively. Use bullet points and headings to make your entry easy to skim.

Seek outside feedback: Before submitting, have someone outside your organisation review your entry. They can spot errors, unclear phrasing, or weak arguments you might have overlooked. Their fresh perspective can also highlight areas to strengthen.

Entering awards isn’t just about the win; it’s about showcasing your business’s value to the world. By carefully crafting your submissions and leveraging the recognition that follows, you can position your company for long-term success.

If you want to know more, book your place on the Entering is Winning workshop on Friday 31 January at Tewin Bury Farm or Wednesday 5th February at Rothamsted Enterprises, Harpenden. Full details on the Chamber website.