5 TIPS FOR ENTERING INDUSTRY BUSINESS AWARDS

Have you been inspired by all the inspirational award speeches popping up in your social media feeds lately; Lady Gaga, Olivia Colman… Rami Malek?
“It’s not about the award, it’s the journey to the award…”.
Or maybe you have no idea what I’m talking about and you’re thinking what on earth is a Rami Malek?

Either way, we’ve put together our 5 top tips for anyone considering entering industry business awards.

1. THINK LIKE A JUDGE

Keep your answers precise and to the point - remember the judges are going to be reading a lot of applications over a short time frame, they don’t want to get bogged down in filler! Structure your answers with important information first. Even go a step further and add a checklist to the beginning of your entry - a judge’s nightmare is getting half way through a great entry and finding something essential is missing!

2. PROVIDE EVIDENCE

Back up every statement with evidence! You can’t just say, ‘we are great’, ‘we do this’, ‘our customers love us’, ‘we should win’ etc.! It doesn’t work like that. If you’re worried about sharing the in’s and out's of your business, you shouldn't be, any information you provide in your entry will be protected and doesn’t go further than the judging room!

3. BE HONEST AND BE YOU

These judges are industry or business leaders - you won’t get anything past them, so be honest! Be you. Some people are inclined to have their entry written by their PR company - dont! The judges want to hear from you, no one knows your business and your story as good as you!

4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT CATEGORY

A great tip for this is to look at past winners, what do you have in common? Play to your strengths, don’t just go for the award you most fancy on your shelf! You can write an amazing entry but if it doesn’t meet the criteria of the category, it won’t win.

5. BE CREATIVE BUT LET THE FACTS DO THE TALKING

Yes we are creatives, so be creative, make your entry stand out...but don’t go crazy. The content of the entry is key - don’t forget, this is all about the business! 

There are so many great reasons to enter an Industry award; it’s brilliant for PR and marketing, increased credibility, team motivation… And of course, a chance to wear that fancy dress or the tux that’s been gathering dust in the wardrobe ;) What’s stopping you? Start practising your speech now!

Thanks for reading and we hope these tips come in useful when you’re writing your next or even first business award entry! 

P.S. Entries for The Fantastic Hairdresser Business Awards are now open! Click here to see the categories and register: The Fantastic Hairdresser Business Awards

P.P.S. Here are some links to the amazing speeches I mentioned... try  not to cry! Olivia Coleman Lady Gaga Rami Malek