| There isn't a day that goes by that I don't | | | | promotion in a local magazine mailed to executives |
| receive some sort ofannouncement about an | | | | in |
| awards competition. We get so many, infact, that | | | | Atlanta when I was a nominee for an award last |
| I have created a special place on my website | | | | year. |
| where youcan learn about what opportunities are | | | | Second, don't set the award on the shelf. Use it |
| awaiting. | | | | to continuallyreinforce your success. Incorporate |
| With all the awards programs out there, how | | | | the award into yourpromotional material. You can |
| many of youincorporate that into your marketing | | | | add your award just like acertification to your |
| plan? Yes, I know it's a lotof work but the | | | | business card and stationery too. |
| benefits you reap outweigh the effort invested. | | | | Third, use the competition's format a means for |
| What can an award do for you besides making | | | | evaluation. |
| you feel good? For astart it can lend instant | | | | Entering a competition can give you valuable |
| credibility to your or your company. | | | | independent feedbackon your performance. |
| Just think about the words "award winner." | | | | Having an external judge review your effortsand |
| Doesn't that soundimportant? Wouldn't you like to | | | | provide feedback is worth the entry fee alone. |
| see that phrase beside your name? | | | | Winning anaward is an opportunity to prove to |
| Awards make a good visual to. If you are given | | | | your customers and suppliersjust how successful |
| permission, usethe award's logo or banner in your | | | | creative you are. Remember this is anindependent |
| promotional material or onyour website. | | | | and prestigious endorsement of the quality of you |
| So, how do you utilize the award and promote | | | | andyour company. It functions as well as |
| yourself in yourmarketing plan? | | | | testimonial |
| First you have to make sure you let others know | | | | Finally, celebrate! Awards generate confidence and |
| about therecognition. Announce your award to the | | | | pride inemployees throughout the company. Have |
| media, clients, prospectsand employees. Write a | | | | a party to celebrate theaccomplishment. You can |
| press release both before and after | | | | use an award as a reason to hold acompany |
| thecompetition. Even if you don't win you can | | | | event celebrating the accomplishment. Don't |
| showcase thecompetition in your material. Just | | | | forget toinvite customers and potential |
| making a commitment to submitis worthy of | | | | customers. |
| special notice. Receiving an award is a good way | | | | Awards can open doors - to new suppliers, |
| toget points from the boss. In fact even being a | | | | customers, investorsand partners. Enter a |
| runner up or anominee is fodder for | | | | competition and see how quickly you endwith |
| self-promotion. For example, I received afull page | | | | another great promotional opportunity. |