Why awards are good for business

I recently won the award for Speaker of the Year at the Women’s Business Conference and Awards in Bristol, which recognises the achievements of female entrepreneurs. As you might imagine, I am still extremely proud. It was very exciting to have my name announced, because it’s nice to be recognised for something you are good at. But I also know why awards are good for business. 

I’ve stated in previous blogs such as ‘I Reached My Goal – Now What?’ that it is important to celebrate the small successes in your business. But when you achieve big, you really must let the business world know about it. 

The award I won was a national award, presented by Jo Fairley, Co-Founder of the chocolate company Green & Black’s. She said there should be more women speakers in business as inspirational speakers. And not just that, I also feel there should be more businesses actively putting themselves forwards for awards. Some people might be reticent about the idea, believing an award to be about vanity, but it’s really not.

Here are five reasons why you should go for it.

1. Winning an award is great for press coverage

When you win an award, you really have a reason to celebrate. Use the local paper, radio or business magazines to let the business community and prospective clients know what you have achieved. It’s exactly what the local press, such as The Bristol Post, like to hear. And if the award is widely recognised, reach for the nationals. 

Press coverage is someone else saying wonderful things about you, your business and what you have achieved. But, as far as your customer base is concerned, it’s all about you and is a great marketing tool to help you get noticed.

2. You can use it in your Social Media bio

The evening I won my award for Speaker of the Year, I changed my LinkedIn bio to state I was ‘award winning’ before I had even left the venue. Stating your award in black and white will give you immediate credibility. It might also encourage prospective customers to read a little more about you.

Besides, I am also incredibly proud of my achievement and I like being ‘Inge Dowden: Coach, Author and Award-Winning Keynote Speaker.’

3. It helps you convince your prospects

You may think it’s not a big deal, but for some people looking to use your product or service, knowing you won an award – or two or three – makes all the difference.

And it isn’t even all about winning. I was nominated for an award years ago and while I did not win, a prospective client had seen the press coverage and subsequently got in touch. In their words later, they thought I must be good to have even been nominated.

4. It helps you stand out from the competition

Whether you nominate yourself or are nominated by someone else, like I was, being associated with an award helps set you apart from competitors who might not have even bothered to apply. 

Sometimes there is not a lot to distinguish you from another business offering the same product or services. Therefore, winning an award, or simply being nominated can really help elevate your position in the business arena.

5. Be seen as the expert

Being seen as the authority in your field is one of the best ways to get prospects to buy from you. Winning an award certainly helps people recognise your talents as you have beaten the competition and other people have validated your abilities.

You may already understand how to influence your customers and being ‘award winning’ is one of the most powerful. Lots of people might even see the ‘award winning’ element of your profile before they even understand what it is you do or sell. However, by seeing the accolade, it will certainly ensure they read more about you and your product, instantly placing you as the expert and clinch those deals.