Everyone loves a winner. We want to be associated with winners, get close to winners, be friends with winners. Maybe deep down it’s because we hope that some of that luck will rub off on us. And it’s the same with a business.
Creating an award winning business
If you want to prove that your business is worthy, there’s no better way than to start winning some awards for it. I think it’s great because it forces you to go through each segment of your business. Figure out how you can, not only make it better, but how you can make it worthy of an award.
I’m writing this on the heels of an award won by swiggies. The consumers voted and gave swiggies the Toyman Award of Excellence for innovation and quality.
Winning an award is validation that you’re doing something right. It’s validation that other people think your business, or products or services are as good as you think they are. And you should shout that from the rooftops. Get other people to shout it. Winning awards gets you noticed. It gets you prestige in your industry and prestige with your loyal customers.
NASDAQ award winner
The first award I entered was the NASDAQ Product of the Year award. I was up against some large companies and the winner was actually the one that got the most votes. To get in the running you were judged by the industry. But the winner was chosen from the most votes. I made it to semi finalist and NASDAQ had a big party for the winners. It was a very nice party!
The thing that keeps most people from winning is the fact that they don’t enter at all. Even if you don’t think you’ll win, enter anyway. I didn’t think I had a shot at the NASDAQ award. You have to at least give it a try. I was now on my way to creating an award winning business.
Winning awards can bring numerous benefits to your business, including:
Credibility and reputation
Awards serve as external validation of your business’s excellence and achievements. They enhance your credibility in the eyes of customers, investors, partners, and the industry as a whole. Winning awards demonstrates that your business has been recognized by experts and peers for its outstanding performance, quality, innovation, or customer satisfaction, which can significantly enhance your reputation.
Competitive advantage
Awards differentiate your business from competitors. They highlight your unique selling points, expertise, and achievements, making you stand out in a crowded marketplace. Winning awards can give you a competitive edge by showcasing your strengths and differentiating factors, helping you attract new customers, retain existing ones, and win over prospects.
Increased visibility and exposure
Awards generate publicity and media coverage, increasing your business’s visibility and reach. Media outlets often report on award winners, providing valuable exposure to your brand, products, or services. This heightened visibility can lead to increased brand recognition, greater customer awareness, and potential business opportunities.
Employee morale and motivation
Winning awards boosts employee morale and motivation. It recognizes their hard work, dedication, and contribution to the company’s success, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment. Employees feel valued and motivated to continue striving for excellence, leading to increased productivity, loyalty, and job satisfaction.
Attracting top talent
Awards can help you attract and retain talented employees. Being recognized as an award-winning company creates a positive employer brand image, signaling that you value excellence and offer a supportive and rewarding work environment. This can attract high-caliber candidates who are seeking opportunities with successful and reputable organizations.
Customer trust and loyalty
Awards contribute to building trust and loyalty with your customers. Being recognized for your achievements and quality reassures customers that they are making the right choice by choosing your products or services. Awards provide a tangible proof of your business’s commitment to excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction, strengthening customer loyalty and advocacy.
Business growth and partnerships
Winning awards can open doors to new business opportunities and partnerships. Other businesses, industry leaders, and potential collaborators may be more inclined to work with an award-winning company, seeing it as a reliable and trustworthy partner. This can lead to collaborations, joint ventures, or strategic alliances that drive business growth and expansion.
In summary, winning awards will enhance your business’s credibility, reputation, visibility, and competitive advantage. It boosts employee morale, attracts top talent, builds customer trust and loyalty, and opens doors to new opportunities. By leveraging the recognition and prestige of awards, you can accelerate your business’s growth and success.
Look into all of the awards in your immediate industry first. Start small if you want. If you think you have the right stuff you should be in the running. And when you do win, shout it from the rooftops!