Business awards can often be overlooked when it comes to devising your marketing strategy and may even be seen as a standalone tactic. However, there is no doubt that they have the potential to shape the wider communications of your business and can provide vital opportunities for endorsing your strategic messages, supporting your objectives and creating newsworthy content.
The key is to choose the right awards for your brand message and to determine what you would like to achieve from winning the award. This means you can enter the awards that play to the strengths of your business. This includes entering awards that you may think are out of your league or that you have no chance of winning. You never know what the award organiser’s objectives are and your business could be exactly what they are looking for!
Here are the top five reasons why entering awards can do wonders for your business.
It can enhance your credibility
Winning an award, or even being shortlisted, can give your business an instant seal of approval and even acts as a sort of third-party endorsement. This can be significant as credibility is often the most important factor for potential customers when deciding whether they want to do business with you. Therefore, it can cement your brand’s reputation as an authority in your field and more importantly, can lead to new customers.
They give you a fresh perspective
Entering business awards forces you to compare your company with competitors and can essentially act as a benchmarking exercise. Writing your awards submission also gives you a chance to reflect on your successes, strengths, objectives and areas for improvement. This can help you evaluate your business and identify potential areas for development and growth.
They give your business increased exposure
Entering business awards can raise your company profile as well as adding to brand awareness. It also allows you to take full advantage of the fantastic PR and promotional opportunities that it provides, with many awards organisers showcasing shortlisted brands through their own marketing channels. This can open up your business to entirely new audiences and potential customers.
You can also use the awards branding on signage, literature and digital channels to enhance your brand image.
Staff morale will improve
Gaining recognition through industry awards can have a great effect on staff morale, as well as staff motivation and retention. Employees generally like working for successful companies and it is a measurable indication of their contribution to the success of the business. Team spirit and future productivity can be boosted as a result. The prestige and recognition that comes with being shortlisted for or winning an award can also help attract new talent too!
You can expand your network
Being shortlisted for an industry award can lead to plenty of networking opportunities. For instance, attending the awards ceremony is a great chance to meet other business leaders and professionals, meaning awards can be a forum for business development and exchanging of best practice as well as boosting morale with a great night out. You also get the chance to speak to a captive audience about your business and could be reaching out to potential new customers.
There is no doubt that entering industry awards can create opportunities that lead to business success. As well as opening doors to new contacts and new channels to market, it can send out positive signals to customers, which can create new and repeat trade. More importantly, it’s recognition of your hard work and on top of the external and internal benefits, awards ceremonies can be great fun!
Although some people may find entering some awards to be a daunting and time-consuming prospect, they don’t have to be complicated or waste precious resources. At FoodBev Media, our awards schemes are kept as simple as possible, so the focus is always on the innovations of your business.
If you would like the opportunity to be globally recognised as a leading contributor to the food and beverage industry, you can find out more about them here.
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