The Benefits of Entering Awards!

By Nicola Le Lievre

With over 25 years in the beauty industry and the proud owner of an international multi-award-winning salon, I have personally experienced the transformative benefits that entering business awards can bring to your business.

I now specialise in writing awards submissions for the beauty industry, combined with business consulting to help identify previously missed opportunities. This ensures that your next entry stands out to the judges, giving you the best chance of becoming a finalist.

Entering awards can offer numerous advantages for beauty salons and teams. Firstly, it is a platform to showcase and reflect on what you are doing well and celebrate hard work and innovations.

Being nominated for an award recognises your current achievements. It’s a source of inspiration and hope for the future, a reminder of the possibilities ahead.

Participating in awards is not just about showcasing your work; it’s about connecting with a larger community. It opens doors to valuable networking opportunities, allowing salon owners and professionals to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential clients. This networking can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and increased visibility within the beauty community, fostering a sense of connection and hope for the future.

Moreover, winning an award is not just a recognition; it’s a powerful marketing tool. The recognition can be used in promotional materials, social media, and the salon’s website, creating a positive image that attracts clients. This marketing power can give you confidence in your business’s potential and reassure your clients of your credibility, instilling a sense of trust and reassurance.

Participation in awards builds a culture of continuous improvement. Preparing for and entering awards encourages salons to reflect on their practices, identify areas for enhancement, and implement positive changes. This commitment to excellence can contribute to long-term success and sustainability in a competitive industry, helping salon owners and professionals to maintain their competitive edge.

Awards can motivate and boost the morale of salon staff. Recognition for their hard work and dedication can increase job satisfaction, loyalty, and a sense of pride among team members. This positive atmosphere can translate into better customer service, enhancing the salon’s reputation.

Research and Choose the Right Awards: Before diving in, research various beauty and business awards in Australia and Internationally. Consider the criteria, categories, and judging processes to find those most aligned with your salon’s strengths. Choose awards focusing on customer service, innovation, or sustainability, depending on your salon’s unique selling points. The first awards platform I recommend is the ABIA as a stepping stone into the awards world.

Prepare a Compelling Submission: Present a submission highlighting your salon’s achievements, uniqueness, and commitment to excellence. Clearly articulate how your salon stands out in the industry, backed by evidence such as client testimonials, business growth statistics, or successful marketing campaigns. Make sure to follow the submission guidelines closely.

Engage Your Team: Involving your team is crucial. Seek their input on what makes the salon unique and encourage them to share their experiences. This collaborative approach enhances the submission and fosters a sense of shared achievement. Team engagement is often a critical factor in the success of award entries.

Utilise the Recognition: Whether you win or receive a nomination, leverage the recognition. Update your salon’s marketing materials, website, and social media profiles to showcase the award. Communicate the achievement to your clients and community, emphasising its value to your services. This can attract new clients and reinforce loyalty among existing ones.

Attend Award Events and Network: If possible, attend award ceremonies and industry events. This provides an opportunity to network with other salon owners and industry professionals. Building relationships in the beauty community can open doors for collaborations, partnerships, and recognition.

entering awards can be a game-changer for yourself and your business, offering benefits ranging from increased credibility and visibility to enhanced team morale. By following these tips, salons can navigate the award process effectively and position themselves for success in a competitive industry.

Success begins at the end of your comfort zone. Making the conscious decision to enter an award is an excellent step for your business; becoming a finalist is a giant leap, and winning is fantastic. All the best on your journey.

Group Coaching Register for more information on my upcoming 4-week group course in January 2025. As a qualified NLP practitioner, I can also support you by breaking down any limiting beliefs and feelings of imposter syndrome that may have prevented you from entering awards programs.

Whether you’re new to the awards process or experienced and need tweaking, register for a free 30-minute discovery call via my website. Together, we can work on what best suits you and your business.

www.nicolalelievre.com