Attention all CEOs and business owners! One of the best ways to celebrate your company’s achievements is to nominate your team for a business award. Here’s how to win small business awards in any industry. Winning these accolades can also generate positive PR, helping build credibility and boost your business image in the eyes of consumers. Because of your business’s new, improved stature, you can reach new customers, increase conversions, and even conquer whole new market segments. Indeed, there are few better ways to help your business. Here’s a step-by-step guide explaining best practices for submitting to and winning small business awards.
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Step One: Don’t overthink it, business owners
One of the main obstacles many CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other business leaders need to overcome is their natural humility. This is especially true for people who own enterprises in places where the culture disapproves of anything that might seem like boasting, such as the Midwest.
The truth, however, is that CEOs and entrepreneurs provide inspiration to others in their communities. Building something new is difficult. Many people talk about the venture they want to start someday, but you have actually gone beyond mere words and started doing so. Your business would not exist today if that weren’t true. Don’t underestimate the value of the living example you provide as a founder.
It’s crucial, therefore, not to overthink submitting your application to recognition programs. You know how hard you’ve worked, and you know the real impact you’ve made in the lives of your customers. Now, it’s time to nominate your business and start getting the appreciation you deserve.
The next step is to spend some time looking at the kinds of brass rings that are available for your particular kind of business.
Step Two: Find the best small business awards
Yes, of course, there are those prestigious business awards that recognize top CEOs and other business leaders, but if you’re just starting to apply for business achievement awards, that’s not the right place to begin. To avoid discouragement and set yourself up for success, start small.
Starting small could mean checking to see if your local Chamber of Commerce has any awards for small business owners or CEOs in the local community. Winning an award of this kind can elevate your profile where it matters most — with your friends and neighbors. It can also help you gain industry recognition among your colleagues in your immediate business community.
Perhaps the best place to get started is the Stellar Business Awards, which takes a local approach that offers something for nearly every business, regardless of your industry or field. This organization’s passion is supporting small businesses and shining a light on the unique contribution they make in their area of specialization and particular geographic area. If you want to win business awards without having to wait for your category to open up, then this is the program for you — applications are not only accepted on a continuous basis but also awarded the same way.
Keep in mind that there are also special awards programs for minority-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-owned enterprises. If you fall into any of these categories, then it’s a great idea to submit your company for consideration.
Step Three: Prepare your application with an eye to award categories
When preparing your application, don’t forget to pay close attention to the specific evaluation criteria for the awards. Tailor each submission to highlight the achievements the panel of judges will likely be looking for.
For instance, provide concrete examples so that the committee can picture your business’s achievements and aspirations in their heads. Refrain from using abstract language — the more detail you can offer, the better.
In addition, if you have any happy customers willing to share their perspectives, include their letters of recommendation if possible. For accolades that commend your team’s positive culture, consider including reviews from your employees as well.
It can also help to find statistics and other numeric data that illustrate the outcomes you achieved during the relevant time period. If you shepherded your business through substantial growth, then quantify the difference between before and after. How many employees did you used to have? How many do you have now? If using innovative technology has enabled you to scale up operations and take on more orders, clearly state how many customers you can help now versus previously.
Step Four: Take advantage of all these submissions have to offer
Your achievements deserve recognition, but remember that applying for these awards can have other benefits that you should also take advantage of. For instance, some programs provide access to invaluable networking opportunities. Who knows what collaborations and partnerships could result from these new connections?
When winners are announced, you might be lucky enough to be among them. If so, then spend some time celebrating your achievement. Double-click on your feelings of pride and accomplishment — you deserve them!
However, don’t forget to do everything you can to leverage your win. For instance, announcing the award to your team and thanking them for their efforts can boost their morale, while including winner logos on your website can help attract new customers. Make posts about the awards and put them on your social media accounts. Don’t be shy — spread the word to help increase your business’s visibility.
Dream big awards, small business owners
You know you’ve got the best business in town. Now, it’s time for other people to understand that, too.
Applying for awards can put your company in the limelight. Winning awards celebrates exceptional achievement and positions your business for growth. For these reasons and more, don’t overthink it — get started applying for some today.