City of sydney business awards 09 - Supporting better business

We asked director of CP Communications & PR guru, Catriona Pollard why businesses should enter the Sydney Business Awards. Here's what she said:

Beginning an awards’ submission can seem like a daunting process especially when you have a million other tasks on your ‘To Do’ list. However in reality, the time and money spent entering the City of Sydney Business Awards is more of an investment than a cost. Even if you don’t take home first prize, being a part of the whole experience can be incredibly rewarding.

Many businesses that could have a strong chance at winning an award often fail to enter because they don’t think they have the time or they don’t really understand the benefits of being involved.

So why should a business enter the awards? What’s in it for them?

Voicing your vision
How often do you sit down and think about what your business has achieved, how you have achieved it and what the plans are for the future? Many small businesses spend so much time working IN their business rather than working ON it.

Creating a submission for the awards forces you to spend some time looking at what you’re doing and can not only be really satisfying but can get your team enthused about future endeavours.

More marketing opportunities
Even as a nominee, your business can receive a mention through a variety of media outlets in conjunction with the awards. The award organisers will list nominees on their website, in their social media and in their media releases. You can also capitalise on entering by promoting your involvement through your own social media and on your website.

Once nominated it’s recommended you send out a media release to your local paper and even radio station to raise awareness of your nomination, generate more votes and of course increase local interest in your business.

When compiling your entry you can use the awards as an opportunity to contact your customers and stakeholders to gain their support. A business can further develop their relationships with customers by using positive communications such as an email or poster stating “We’ve been nominated for a business award. If you’ve been happy with the service we provide, please show your support by voting for us.”

If you’re lucky enough to become a finalist or even win in a category, there are PR opportunities to take advantage of within your specific industry publications, announcing your success.

Putting you on the map
Everyone is always looking for that edge on their competitors, the key point that makes you stand out from the crowd. If you are named a finalist, or winner of a City of Sydney Business Award and your major competitor is not, this is a unique stand out factor that could be the difference between whether a customer decides to go with you.

The extra promotion through the awards will also help raise awareness of your company providing networking opportunities that often lead to new business opportunities.

Boosting Team Morale
The City of Sydney Business Awards are the perfect way to join staff together and create a positive team atmosphere as you work towards the common goal of creating a winning submission. Staff engagement and involvement can invigorate the business and there is a real feeling of accomplishment if your company wins.

Companies usually enter the business awards for the kudos and marketing opportunities that come out it but don’t forget there are prizes worth $25,000 that winners will share in which can really boost team morale.

The presentation ceremony is the perfect way to celebrate a job well done. A team with a high morale will generally produce better quality work which could mean more award wins in the future!

Network, Network, Network
From the launch party through to the award ceremony there are opportunities to meet with other business award nominee and winners to share ideas and help each other out. Some nominees in different categories have even been known to cross promote each other’s businesses.

Being involved in the City of Sydney Business Awards is not a once off event, the relationships and benefits extend much further. The City of Sydney supports the idea of creating a community of strong business people and offer opportunities to winners throughout the year such as leadership forums, programs and promotion.

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