Business Awards Tips

In the competitive world of business, winning an award can significantly boost your company’s reputation, enhance credibility, and open doors to new opportunities. However, the challenge often lies in keeping track of the numerous business awards deadlines. Missing an entry window can mean losing out on a chance to shine. Here, we will explore strategies to ensure you never miss an important deadline for prestigious business awards like the Best in Biz Awards.

Business awards are more than just a plaque or a certificate; they are a testament to your company’s excellence and achievements. They can serve as a powerful marketing tool, helping your business stand out from the competition. Winning or even being nominated for a prestigious award can attract potential clients, partners, and top talent to your organization.

The Role of Deadlines

Deadlines play a crucial role in the award submission process. They ensure a level playing field and allow organizers to manage entries efficiently. Missing a deadline can disqualify your entry, wasting time and effort. Therefore, staying on top of these deadlines is vital for any business looking to gain recognition.

Creating a Submission Calendar

An effective way to manage business award deadlines is by creating a detailed submission calendar. This calendar will serve as your roadmap, guiding you through the application process for various awards.

Steps to Build Your Calendar

1. Research: Start by identifying the awards relevant to your business. Look for industry-specific awards, regional recognitions, and national competitions like the Best in Biz Awards.
2. List Deadlines: Once you have a list of potential awards, note down their deadlines. Pay attention to early bird deadlines, which often offer reduced entry fees.
3. Set Reminders: Use digital tools or apps to set reminders for each deadline. This will help ensure you have ample time to prepare your submission.
4. Allocate Resources: Determine who in your team will be responsible for each submission. Assign tasks and deadlines to ensure everything is on track.

Utilizing Technology

There are several digital tools available that can help streamline the process of managing deadlines. Tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or Asana can be customized to include all your award deadlines and send reminders as the dates approach.

Tips for Preparing Award Submissions

Preparing an award submission can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be manageable and rewarding.

Start Early

Starting early gives you ample time to gather all necessary materials, such as financial reports, customer testimonials, and case studies. Early preparation also allows for thorough proofreading and revisions, ensuring your submission is polished and professional.

Understand the Criteria

Each award has specific criteria and judging guidelines. Understanding these can significantly increase your chances of success. Tailor your submission to highlight how your business meets or exceeds these criteria.

Highlight Achievements

Focus on your company’s achievements and innovations. Use data and testimonials to support your claims. Remember, judges are looking for evidence of excellence and impact.

Seek Professional Help

If you’re unsure about how to craft a compelling submission, consider hiring a professional writer or consultant who specializes in award submissions. Their expertise can provide you with a competitive edge.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even the best intentions can go awry. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when managing business award deadlines:

Procrastination

Leaving submissions to the last minute can lead to rushed work and missed deadlines. Make a plan and stick to it to avoid the stress of last-minute submissions.

Ignoring Instructions

Every award has specific submission guidelines. Ignoring these can result in disqualification. Always double-check that you have followed all instructions before submitting.

Lack of Follow-Up

After submitting your entry, follow up to confirm receipt. This ensures your entry was received and is being considered.

Maximizing the Impact of Winning

Winning a business award is a significant achievement. Here’s how you can maximize the impact:

Publicize Your Win

Share your success through press releases, social media, and your company’s website. Highlight the award in your marketing materials and include it in pitches to potential clients.

Celebrate Internally

Recognize the hard work of your team. Celebrating internally boosts morale and motivates your employees to continue striving for excellence.

Leverage the Award

Use the award to enhance your credibility. Mention it in client meetings, presentations, and proposals. Awards can differentiate your business from competitors and attract new opportunities.

Conclusion

Staying on top of business awards deadlines requires organization, dedication, and a proactive approach. By creating a comprehensive submission calendar, preparing your entries meticulously, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can increase your chances of success. Winning prestigious business awards like the Best in Biz Awards can elevate your company’s status and open new doors, making the effort well worth it. Start planning today, and ensure your business gets the recognition it deserves.

Looking for more business awards tips?

How-to tips on submitting in prestigious business awards:

Business awards entry fees: Are business awards even worth the entry fees? (We’ll spoil it: the answer is a resounding, yes!)

Selecting business awards categories: How to choose the most appropriate business awards categories for your company

Writing your business awards entries: How to craft award-winning business awards entries

Once you have won a prestigious business award like Best in Biz Awards: Tips for maximizing the ROI of prestigious business awards 

 

For business award submissions in various vertical or industry areas:

For submissions from small companies and small businesses: How small companies can effectively compete with bigger brands in international business awards

For submissions in sustainability and green categories: How to reward your employees’ sustainability efforts with prestigious business awards

For executive awards and leadership awards submissions: How to win in executive and leadership awards

For technology giants and tech start-ups: Why tech companies should apply in prestigious business awards

For technology innovations award submissions: How to highlight your company’s or product technology innovations in prestigious business awards

For product award submissions: Why you should submit your product in prestigious business awards

For AI technology innovations and AI product submissions: How to highlight your AI leadership and AI innovations through AI awards and prestigious business awards

For entrants from Poland: Jak prestizowe nagrody biznesowe moga pomoc firmom (po polsku) 

 

About Best in Biz Awards

Since 2011, Best in Biz Awards has been among the most prestigious business awards in North America and globally, and it remains the only independent business awards program judged by well-known writers and editors from various top-tier publications.

From Associated Press to Yahoo Tech’s David Pogue – and including Businessweek, CNET, Consumer Affairs, Fast Company, Financial Times, Forbes, Fortune, Inc., Network World, PC Magazine, Reuters, San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Wired and more – Best in Biz Awards each year is judged by prominent reporters and editors from the most respected publications.

From ADP to Zappos, past winners in Best in Biz Awards span the spectrum, from the most recognizable global brands through local mom-and-pop shops and Shark Tank sensations to some of today’s most cutting-edge start-ups. Other notable winners over the years have included: 1-800-Flowers, ADP, Aflac, AT&T, Best Western, Burger King, Chipotle, crocs, Dell, Dyson, Epson, Ernst & Young, Experian, GoDaddy, Hilton, HP, IBM, LifeLock, Microsoft, National Association of Realtors, Planet Fitness, Safelite, Sandisk, Santander Bank, Sheraton, StubHub, Symantec, UnitedHealthcare, Walmart, Wells Fargo, YMCA, and more.

For more information about Best in Biz Awards, see our About page; or read more about our North American program and International program.

For the full list of product and product innovation award categories offered in the 15th annual Best in Biz Awards, see our Product award categories.

For Product category winners in the 14th annual Best in Biz Awards, see: 2024 Product categories award winners.