It’s that time of year again! Business and industry awards are opening their doors to applications, but  you may be weighing up the pros and cons of entering. Taking the time
to put yourself, or your team forward for a business accolade can produce a variety of gains. We advise that you get started on those entry submissions asap, but in case you’re still on the fence, here’s 3 reasons why you should enter awards before the end of 2017.

1. New Opportunities

   Being associated with business awards is a great marketing opportunity for your business. As well as the usual media opportunities that come with awards applications, there are a number of other ways you can take advantage if you are shorlisted:

• Include the news in a newsletter to potential and existing clients
• Ask a key member of the shortlisted team to write a blog
• Post about the awards on social media  – using the awards’ hashtag will drive exposure to new audiences and grow your engagement online
• If you work with a PR company, perhaps you will earn some local coverage or profile pieces for your team!
• Entering an awards category provides you with a valuable opportunity to reflect, and identify, areas where you can improve in comparison with competitors

2. Attract and retain top talent

Entering business or industry awards can boost team morale, and give your team an opportunity to be recognised for their hard work. Having a team that is proud to work for your company is an invaluable asset and sets the right image for applicants to any open positions you may have. Employees only want to work for the biggest and the best ad having the right talent at your company will give you a competitive edge in your industry. So its a never-ending cycle of positivity!

3. The Competitive Advantage

We know you’re good. You know you’re good, but what does your target customer know? Very often, consumers compare and contrast companies with a ‘tick-the-box’ approach. You you need to ensure that you meet each requirement and having an award under your belt gives you an advantage over other companies. It also places you in a position of authority, as a trustworthy and influential company.

What Next? 

We hope this blog encourages you to enter an industry or business award. If you don’t know where to start, why not check out some of the below?

The National Project Awards:  

The National Project Awards recognise and honour individuals, projects, project teams and organisations that have shone within the project management discipline. With six categories to choose from, there are a number of opportunities for both businesses and individuals to compete from any number of industries.

The deadline for entries is September 1st.

Irish Medtech Excellence Awards 2017:

Cork Digital Marketing Awards: 

The Cork Digital Marketing Awards are organised by the Cork Chamber Business School to recognise the remarkable achievements of companies using digital to enhance consumer experience in Cork.

The deadline for entries is September 1st.

National Small Business Awards: 

These awards celebrate excellence, achievement and innovation in small business and is your opportunity to promote and showcase your business both internationally and nationally.

Applications for 2018 open on 4 Sept 2017.

Why not nominate someone you think worthy of an award?

Post by Susie Horgan

Susie founded Springboard in 2011, and has developed the business into a leading, director-led communications agency. She has worked for over 20 years in senior marketing and public relations roles.