Winning business excellence awards impresses everyone, but there are even more important reasons to submit your employees, your team, and yourself for consideration in these contests. This review covers everything you need to know to get your well-deserved time in the spotlight.
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Business excellence awards for beginners
Concerned that nominating yourself, your team, or your business for an award would constitute boasting and annoy people? Don’t be. Such nominations are actually a routine part of doing business for one simple reason: no one who neglects to apply ever wins one.
The truth is that all eligible businesses should apply, not only for the chance to win the award, but also because candidates receive a range of other benefits.
More than just a ceremony: The benefits of winning and just submitting
Imagine emerging victorious in a small business award competition. Think your life would change overnight? Well, you’re right.
When recognition programs announce their honorees, the media takes notice. Magazines and trade publications often come calling, seeking interviews with the award-winning entrepreneurs, business owners, and other leaders. There’s arguably no better way to assert your company’s dominance over its industry.
This increased visibility not only means that more potential customers learn about you and what you do, but are also introduced to you in the best way possible — through the endorsement of a trusted third party. Since judges have determined that your business is the best, consumers will become eager to try your wares for themselves. As a result, studies show that obtaining these trophies, plaques, and certificates is often accompanied by burgeoning profits.
Moreover, employees enjoy having their commitment and industriousness recognized by an outside organization. For this reason, earning honors also promotes a healthy corporate climate. It can also encourage staff members to work harder than ever, as they strive to repeat their victory or become next year’s recipients!
As that example shows, these benefits don’t just accrue to the victors. They also spill over to other nominated businesses. In another example, merely being listed on a ballot can be viewed as a form of advertising that brings your venture to the attention of influential people, especially if industry leaders comprise the committee of independent judges or the public is allowed to vote.
In addition, many award presentations occur in person, enabling candidates to network with one another as well as with the nominees who take home the laurels at the end of the night. These receptions are a great way to introduce yourself to people you’ve long admired and forge meaningful connections with them. Who knows what business opportunities could open up as a consequence?
Beyond your Chamber of Commerce: Finding the right honors and categories
Many local chambers of commerce sponsor annual competitions for businesses that are chamber members, and these can be a great place to start. But there are many more recognition organizations that support businesses.
To connect with the right ones, think about how your business excels. Is your team a leader in innovation? Do they provide superior customer service? Have they revolutionized manufacturing in your sector? Is your team experiencing substantial growth?
Whatever your business’s unique strengths are, look for prizes and different categories that highlight those particular accomplishments. Many do so explicitly to stimulate economic vitality for businesses exactly like yours. Review the award criteria for the contests you are considering and ensure that your submission aligns with what they seek.
Entering multiple nominations is even better — the more chances you give your business, the more likely your outstanding performance will be rewarded.
Learn from past winners: Best practices for submitting
Once you’ve identified the right competitions to enter, it’s time to assemble the strongest application possible. To do so, spend some time researching the past winners.
In particular, see if you can dig up any explanation of why they were chosen. This due diligence will give you insight into what the evaluators are looking for and help you design your own submission accordingly.
Keep in mind that your assessors are people too. Use persuasive stories and client testimonials to evoke emotions and give yourself a competitive edge over the other participants.
Additionally, don’t forget to include numerous meaningful statistics and data points that demonstrate how your business has consistently maintained such a high level of quality. Emphasize any civic participation that your business and team do throughout the year, such as becoming a sponsor of a beloved local festival or live music event.
Press releases and PR: Celebrate your win
When your business is selected, it’s time to celebrate and raise awareness of the achievement as much as possible. Don’t just notify your friends and family — it’s advisable to develop a whole marketing campaign designed to shout the good news from the proverbial rooftops.
First and foremost, draft a press release about the prize, explaining why the panel chose your enterprise. Display this on your website and send it to your list of media contacts. Post about the accomplishment on social media, as well, and send an email about it to your loyal customers.
Finally, consider hosting a party for the community and inviting all the journalists and editors from your local paper. This type of experiential marketing event not only helps spread the word that you’re a champion but also serves as an effective brand activation with consumers.
Contribute awards to your business or organization in 2025
Picture yourself putting the badge of an award you won next to your business’s logo on your website. Now imagine how impressed someone will be when they see it while visiting your page for the first time.
There’s no reason to sit back and let others in your community grab all the honors. In 2025, make registering for business awards a priority. It’s your year to shine!
