Archant Events and Exhibitions Manager, Sarah Scott-Foster, gives her top tips for submitting an award-winning entry in this year’s Fenland Business Awards.
The following tips designed to help you with your entry.
Read the criteria thoroughly and then go back and read it again.
It may sound obvious to say read the criteria again and again but when writing a submission it is very easy to get side tracked or go off course.
The submission needs to be factual and easy to read. The judges have a lot of information to ingest so it is important to make it as easy as possible to read.
Get a second opinion
Writing a submission can be intensive and the person writing it can become too close to the project. Have someone proof read the sub-mission to get a second opinion, or leave it alone and go back to it after a couple of days. You will be surprised at how many changes you will make.
Evidence
How good is your business, is it the best of the best? Well, judges will not believe it just because you say so – you need to put together a solid case that is backed up by evidence. Proof that what you are saying is true and accurate.
You are able to supply two pieces of quantitative supporting documentation with your entry. This can be anything from graphs and charts to marketing literature or testimonials.
Index your supporting information clearly and correctly, the judges only have limited time to read all of the entries. You need to make this as easy as possible. Trust me, they will remember the entries that are easiest to read.
Tell the story, make it an inspiring read and one that is written from the heart. If you are passionate about your business this will come through and can be infectious. The judges are then more likely to remember your entry above any of the others.
Use the submission process as a learning tool
Entering awards are a fantastic way for you to profile your business internally and many find the whole process a great eye opener. Even if you do not make the short-list, you will find the process of great strategic value to your business.
Look at the categories and really think about the different areas within your business, where you want your business to be and what you will do to achieve your goals.
Document it well and you are half way to a winning submission already.
Remember you can enter up three categories. Should you become a finalist or winner, use the logos to your best advantage, think in advance about how you will use the logos in your marketing campaigns. For example on your website homepage, on your e-mail signature, in your marketing literature, on your business cards … the list goes on.
Most of all enjoy the process, engage with your business and shout about your successes.
If you are still unsure about how to enter the largest and most prestigious Business Awards in the district then why not join us at our networking event to learn more about the entry process and gain great tips on putting together an award winning entry!
Gearing up for the 8th annual Fenland Enterprise Business Awards, we are offering businesses a chance to hear from previous winners and learn about the entry process. Some come participate in our networking event, meet some of our sponsors and judges, and network established and budding companies in Fenland.
The event will run as follows:
• 4.30pm Arrival drinks
• 5pm Fenland Enterprise Business Award 2016 - Events and Marketing Manager of Archant Herts, Cambs & Kent, Gerald Carey
• 5.10pm Martin Lawrence, Business Unit Director, Stainless Metalcraft (Chetteris) Ltd, 2015 winner of the Business of the Year, Employer of the Year and Medium Business of the Year
• 5.30pm Guest speaker to be announced
• 6pm Networking
• 6.45pm Event closes
It is free to attend, however spaces are limited.
We hope to see you at our networking event, for more information and to register for your free ticket please visit www.fenlandbusinessawards.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here