There is no doubt that any business would love to win an award. Entering and winning awards should be a part of your overall marketing and communications strategy. It is an excellent way to increase the credibility of your brand and get some positive publicity for your company.  Making a perfect award entry can be stressful but by providing a compelling to the judges, you can easily increase the likelihood of being shortlisted. 

Here is our guide to successful award entries. Let’s get started by planning and producing the best entry possible.

Pick an Award

As mentioned before, award entry should be a part of your annual marketing plan. Allocate resources for this and create a list of all the possible awards in your sector. Assess these awards and see if they fit inside your overall business objective.

Think about the impact you want to create. If you want to increase business profile in a particular sector then look for awards for service in that sector. You have many choices like healthcare, education, manufacturing etc.

If you are working internationally, then consider European or a global award scheme. Always think about what your end goal is and choose the awards programme accordingly.

Select the Category

After deciding on the awards programme you must decide on the right category for your project, team or individual. Try to choose categories which have fewer entries and avoid popular categories unless you are absolutely sure or have an exceptional story to tell. Popular categories are vastly over-subscribed. Enquire with the organisers about the categories that have fewer entries.

Decide on a unique story that you want to tell and make sure you have something innovative or different. Whatever you choose to put forward, decide on how you will present it whether it is collecting testimonials or arranging site visits.

Always check who is sponsoring the event and who is sponsoring the selected category. Most organisations believe that they are unique and have a unique story to tell. It is best to get an external viewpoint from someone who knows your company well, has a good perspective on the industry, and can be trusted to give you an honest appraisal. This way you can know if you have an actual shot at winning.

Terms and Conditions

Always read the terms and conditions for entry and meet the requirements. Most entries are eliminated simply because they did not meet the entry criteria. Very rarely are entrants given a second chance to revise or resubmit the documents. Therefore, it is always best to read and reread the terms.

Note down the questions that need answering and the format required for submission. Check if there is a limited word count or format stipulations. If additional information and materials are prohibited, do not try to send them anyways.

Check the time criteria as some awards require you have started or completed a project within a set timeframe. Always check if you are eligible. Make sure you comply with the required conditions.

Of course, do not forget to check the deadline. Some organisations like to know if your entry is on the way but the best way would be to submit the needful in time. If you face issues make sure you alert the organisation and let them know why you need the extra time.

Engage your Client

Some award categories involved clients and if they are involved then they should be informed and signed up to the idea. You should get them excited about winning the award as much as you. Explain to them what they will gain from winning the award. This will increase cooperation when the time comes to put the entry together.

Make sure that you look beyond the main client contact. Try to engage with the leadership team as they are the ones who will need to sign off the entry. While it is often possible to submit an entry with an anonymous client, it is never as powerful as a partner who is prepared to stand alongside you and shout about your work.

Plan Ahead

Plan and create a timeline for meeting deadlines. Make sure you give yourself enough time to write the entry and for getting client approval. Considers other factors like presentation dates and the award dinner itself. Planning ahead will help you to set up meetings with the needed people and getting approval before the deadline.

Stand Apart

When you start writing, you need to create a narrative so that you stand apart from other entries. Tell a story through your writing by explaining how your work improved performance, reduced costs or did something groundbreaking. Tie your work with your client’s mission and objectives. Take the reader through your journey from start to finish and add an element of something deep and personal like feedback from customers and staff.

Meet Requirements

Every entry will be judged and scored based on certain requirements. If you write in an unorganised manner it will be very difficult to see if you met all the requirements. Set your writing in the same format as the entry terms and conditions specified. If you make it easier for the judges to score, your entry will score better. Now you have a proper format to follow as well.

Provide Evidence

Many entries fall short because they do not provide the required evidence needed to back up the claims they make. Assertions do not equal evidence. Quantify your progress and achievement and present it. Conduct surveys or polls to gather information. Provide numerical or quantifiable information. Use simple but effective graphics. You can also upload your data and evidence and provide a link to gain access.

Include Images

Even if it is not explicitly stated that photos or videos are needed, you should most certainly include images. You will need to provide well-taken photos to be shortlisted. Poor photography and video editing will stick out like a sore thumb. There are plenty of tools and equipment available for creating professional visual images. Making a short video is useful as it can be used on social media or for bidding.

Draw Attention

Since there is a lot of reading involved, make sure that you include photos, graphics and bold or highlight facts to grab the attention of judges and also to make your point clear.

Presentation

The presentation will most certainly determine your final score. Prepare for it in advance and decide who will be presenting ahead of time and make sure they will be present on the date.

Usually, the presentation is used to summarise your submission and recount your story. Avoid repeating the same information and rely on something new and different.

This is also an opportunity to provide more details and present a realistic view of what you have achieved. You can also tell the judges confidential information that you did not include in the submission.

Make sure that the presenters are good at public speaking or provide them with the needed training and resources. Rehearse a couple of times before the event and focus on the natural flow of the presentation. Videos are also a great way to provide more evidence, showcase your project and much more.

Prepare for the Awards Dinner

The awards dinner is equally important. Think about the invitees. This is an opportunity for team members to entertain clients and prospects. Check the itinerary and other details ahead of time.

Conduct a meeting before the official awards dinner. Brief the team on details such as location, timings, dress code etc. Prepare for what will happen if you win. Decide on who will go on stage. Providing information on travel and stay is also beneficial. When people know what to expect they can relax and enjoy dinner.

Share the News

Make the most of your awards entry from the moment you make the shortlist. Spread the news and publicise the information on your website, social media and newsletter. Some awards will provide you with downloadable logos that you can use for marketing. You can even plan ahead and write your winner’s press release ahead of time. After all beliving is manifesting.

Gather Feedback

Regardless of the outcome, always ask for feedback. Feedback is a way to improve and identify mistakes. It is beneficial to know where you went wrong and it will greatly help you in the future.

Submitting an entry will become easier with planning. Remember to edit and proofread your submission over and over again. Make sure that your entry is compelling, concise and exceptional. It should be personal and ensure that you answer all questions and comply with the requirements.

What are some of relevant Facilities Management Industry awards? 

Final Thoughts 

 You will need to dedicate a minimum of 60 hours effort per award entry as most award entries will require atleast 3 years of data collections, insights, stories, testimonials then write up, images, presentations etc. Please pick 5 categories and  narrow it down to Top 3. Remember award entries are not FREE, each entry has a FEE and attending award dinners are expensive. Review your marketing budget and ensure there is ROI to this investment!  

We have helped many finalist and winning entries. Talk to us about supporting you in award entry process.