Top ten tips on how to win an award

Awards aren’t just shiny trophies for the shelf — they’re powerful opportunities to:

• Network with peers and industry leaders

• Learn about exciting initiatives across businesses and organisations

• Showcase best practice and demonstrate excellence

• Boost visibility for your business

In short, awards help you get seen.

But let’s be honest: who really enjoys writing award entries? Collating evidence and drafting submissions can feel daunting. Yet, it’s also a valuable exercise in reflection and evaluation — two things busy business owners rarely make time for.

I’ve written and submitted countless entries over the past 20+ years. Most have been shortlisted, and some have gone on to win. One of my strangest experiences was following an event social media feed from home. Everyone in my household had gone to bed, and just as the category I was waiting for was announced, my lights went off. In the dark, I discovered we’d won! I quickly posted a congratulatory message on social media, joined the WhatsApp banter, and celebrated by finally going to bed.

That moment reminded me: awards matter. Here’s what I’ve learned about writing entries that stand out.

1. Research the right awards

• Focus on awards that align with your business strengths and achievements.

• Use resources like Boost Awards lists, AI tools, trade journals, and local business press.

• Always double-check award websites - award criteria and categories change frequently.

• Review past winners to gauge whether the award is respected and relevant for you.

2. Plan ahead

• Record deadlines, entry fees, and requirements in a planner or spreadsheet.

• Start preparing 4–6 weeks before the deadline.

• Gather evidence early: facts, figures, and measurable outcomes are essential.

3. Collect testimonials

• Strong entries often include client or customer endorsements.

• Ask early and allow time to review their responses.

4. Prepare visuals

• Awards often require photographs.

• Don’t leave this to the last minute - make sure you have high-quality, relevant images ready.

5. Draft your entry thoughtfully

• Copy online forms into Word to track word/character counts.

• Expect long entries to take at least a day to draft and refine.

• AI can help with structure, but the most compelling entries come from the heart.

• Be cautious about sharing confidential information with AI tools.

6. Review and refine

• Check your draft against the award criteria.

• Ask someone to proofread - fresh eyes catch what you might miss.

7. Submit early

• Online forms can crash close to deadlines.

• Keep a Word copy handy in case you need to email your submission.

• Allow time for technical hiccups.

8. Celebrate and share

• Note the shortlist announcement date.

• If you’re shortlisted (or win!), share the news across your website and social channels.

Final Thought

You’ve got to be in it to win it. Start by identifying the award you’d most love to win — then commit to submitting an entry. The process itself is rewarding, and the recognition can be transformative for your business.

If you'd like help with awards, just drop me a line.

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