Entry Hints and Tips
People approach entering awards in different ways – some are very structured and factual and others tell a wonderful story. Whatever you chosen approach, we love to receive and read all our entries.
Apart from the business information we request (for verification and legitimacy), we only ask for up to 750 words, why you believe that you, your business, nominated group or individual (depending on the category) deserve to win this award. Simple as that! Nice, easy and quick entry online at www.businessstarawards.co.uk.
The Deadline is 5pm Friday 13th October 2023 and entries will be judged in the first round and a shortlist created – you will be notified, and this will be publicised. Finalists will then be judged in the second round and the winner announced at our glittering event on the evening of Friday 24th November at Crieff Hydro Hotel.
Please remember – you have nothing to lose, but potentially a lot of profile to gain!
Some food for thought…
Why Enter?
• Being shortlisted and/or winning awards is a marketing tool. Is this a cost-effective method of marketing your company?
• Shortlisted companies receive through the Chamber’s network and channels, guaranteed local press coverage and information about your company shown on the night.
• These marketing opportunities are only available to those who enter and are shortlisted.
• Some companies make entering awards part of their business strategy.
• To raise your company’s profile
• To create publicity for your company
• To receive recognition for your company
• To motivate your team. This is one of the best ways of encouraging your staff and thanking them for all their hard work – especially at times like this.
Understand the power of awards:
• Awards help generate business
• Customers look for winning track records
• The media loves a winning story
Understand the rules
• Your business must be based Perthshire/Perth & Kinross
• Closing date of 5pm on Friday 13th October 2023
• 750 word limit per category
• Your entry should meet the category description
Be bold!
• Be proud of your current achievements
• Ask others to endorse you
• Consider applying for two award categories
• Showcase company credentials and achievements in your entry (press coverage, account details, growth statistics)
Things to Consider
• Consider which are the most appropriate categories for you to enter.
• What is your story?
• If you were not involved in the business, would you be interested in hearing your story?
• Would your story be of interest to a newspaper? If you have a story to tell, tell it well.
• What are your successes?
• Blow Your Own Trumpet! Nobody else will do it for you. Shout about what you are doing well. Assume that those judging know nothing of your business – this could be their first introduction and you want this first impression to be a good one.
• What is your Star Quality?
• What is it that YOU do that makes you so much better than any of your competitors? Ensure the angle has the category description in mind.
The Entry
• This could very well be the judge’s first introduction to your company.
• This is your chance to make that all important GREAT first impression.
• As the name suggests – you get one chance at this.
• It will not matter how great your business is if you never make it on to the short list and to the interview stage.
• The impression the judge gets from the quality of your application gives them an idea of the care, pride and attention to detail you carry throughout your business.
• Have your application submitted on time – by 5pm on Friday 13th October 2023 in this case
• What have you got to lose? Nothing
• What have you got to gain? Great promotional opportunity for your business!
If you don’t win…
• Request feedback from judges
• Take a moment to review the winner’s credentials
• Objectively reflect on your entry
• Don’t be deterred –keep entering
If you do win…
• CELEBRATE & ENJOY THE MOMENT!
• Notify contacts and thank clients
• Maximise press publicity
• “Quote!” Winner of the Excellence in Customer Service Award 2023
Post-award promotion
USE BEING SHORTLISTED OR WINNING AS A PROMOTIONAL TOOL
• Post the news on your company website
• Issue a press release to the media (local, regional and trade press)
• Tell your customers via newsletters and word of mouth
• Utilise the accolade logo on your marketing materials
• Use your finalist or winner logo which we send you
• See yourself in the news – print and digital
GOOD LUCK!
If you need any assistance, please: Call: 01738 448325 Or Email: events@perthshirechamber.co.uk
ENTER NOW: WWW.BUSINESSSTARAWARDS.CO.UK