How to Apply for Awards

1. Plan ahead

• Identify the awards + categories

• Decide if you will DIY or get help

• Note Key dates for each step - application deadline, interview dates, awards night and block out the diary now as if you’re going all the away

• Start reviewing criteria now and organizing what you might need - press shots, collate media coverage, marketing materials, financials, charity work, biographies, testimonials, website spruce up, brand makeover etc.

2. When you write, avoid cliches - Talk about what makes you unique and better

• There are some things you just can’t call yourself (visionary, organized, great customer service)

• State the facts that no one can argue with i.e.

• We offer a full money back guarantee, all our fleet are equipped with state of the art technology

• We have over 1000 customers across Australia

• We increased our revenue by 20% in the past financial year

3. Whatever statement you make, evidence it and state specifics

• Not so good: “We has a stellar year in business in 2019”

• Better: “We have had a stellar year in business in 2019 with an increased turnover and growth in staff

• Best: “We have had a stellar year in 2019 and are proud to have achieved a 20% year on year increased turnover since our funding in 2008 and to have doubled our staff”

4. Check what is involved and be realistic about whether you can do it and do it justice

• From 500 word essay of achievements in past 12 months + supporting docs i.e. Stevie Awards (A veritable walk in the park)

• To 20-30 hours work i.e. Telstra Awards i.e. knowing all your financials and having every aspect of your business sorted i.e Marketing/HR/Sustainability etc.

5. Collaborate with people who can give you the winning edge

• If you haven’t applied for, or won an award before, look to collaborate with someone who can increase the credibility of your application (awardshub.com can help)

• It’s hard talking about yourself! Let them tell your amazing story in a way you never ever dreamed possible.

Briefly describe the history of the business:

• Opening paragraph (Emotionally engage your reader)

• Your WHY statement

• Your PURPOSE statement

• Bullet point WHAT you do

• Provide a supporting sentence/paragraph for each bullet point

• Clearly identify your NICHE

Describe the products or services your business provides

This is a good summary of your business and its evolution.

Key points here are:

• When did it commence?

• How has the business evolved?

• How have you evolved?

• What adversity have you faced?

• What have been some of your greatest achievements?

Describe how you promote your business

• This question is not just about listing your promotional activities. You need to provide Evidence to your activities

• A copy of a 12-month marketing plan would be incredibly beneficial to your submission

List your marketing and promotional activities, with respect to:

1. Public Relations

2. Strategic Partnerships

3. Advertising Campaigns

4. Promotions you have run

5. Word of mouth

6. Social Media

7. Merchandising

8. Online Strategies

9. Networking

10. Direct Customer Contact and surveys

11. Loyalty Programs

Describe the level of customer service and the quality of products your business provides

This questions has two key parts:

1. Level of customer service

2. Quality of products

• Provide your overarching customer service philosophy

• Provide 3 customer testimonials

• Give 3-5 examples of how you surprise and delight your customers and give raving fans service

• Provide evidence that you get feedback from your customers - survey monkey/feedback forms. Share the results.

• How are you continually improving your service?

• How do you train your team to provide quality customer service?

Detail your commitment and endeavors in business and/or environmental sustainability

• This question is asking about your social conscience and your commitment to both the ENVIRONMENT and BUSINESS sustainability.

Detail the successes of the business during the past two years

• This question is asking about: Business Growth, Awards Successes, Recognition by your industry, community and customers

Describe how your business supports the local community

• Being in business is not only about your back pocket, we have a social and community responsibility. Show how you support and engage in your local community.

Describe where you see your business in the future

• This question is asking do you have a plan for the future

How are team trained and motivated?

• Details on how you train your team

• How do you create a performance culture with your team?

• How do you recognise and reward your team

• Provide supporting evidence