I have been nominated for a women's business award; is it worth filling out the application?
I am been nominated for the Telstra Women's Business Awards and I'm very excited! But I have just realized how much time and work is actually involved in putting the application together. I know that many people actually pay others to write the answers for them. My question is... is it worth it? Has anyone on here done it before for the same award or one similar, and how did you find the experience?
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May 28, 2015
Richard Stern- I think it is great to be involved in anything that will be favorable to your reputation. Many people pay attention to these awards and it makes it easier to network for new clients
May 27, 2015
Absolutely! Especially if it's been given by a women's organization to a male owned business. That makes a huge statement about your company's integrity and sense of fair play!
May 27, 2015
Hello Anna,
I'm sure the answer is within you.
1. Are you and your business aligned in values with the previous winners and the sponsors and organisation giving the award?
2. Regardless of whether you win the award or not, what other benefits would you and your business get from going through the process?
3. What doors does this process open? Which doors does it close?
Congrats on your nomination! Keep us posted;-)
Alvaro
May 21, 2015
Anna, congratulations on this opportunity. I'm not sure if your question is do you apply yourself versus hire someone to do it for you or whether or not to pursue the opportunity in the first place. My thoughts- if it is legitimate (as Walter Wise asks) then ask yourself is it something that is both personally appealing and potentially rewarding. If the answer is yes (to both) then go for it and write the application yourself. If it is personally appealing and potentially rewarding then it is best you truly make it you own.
May 21, 2015
Thanks everyone. I am realising that many people on here are U.S. Based so probably haven't heard of these awards but they are definitely legit. I think I have been convinced!!
May 21, 2015
As one of those people who often get hired to write award submissions and an award-winner myself, I can tell you that there is tremendous value in receiving awards, especially if they are prestigious and hard won. Just the time you spend with the other winners can make the effort worthwhile from a business point of view. As an entrepreneur, sometimes your energy and motivation is flagging, and an award like this makes everything OK. Awards bring new business and partnerships, visibility and more! Just make sure the awards are legit. There are a lot of fly-by-night things out there.
May 21, 2015
Absolutely! It will not only reward you by allowing your peers, customers, friends and family to celebrate your obvious trek to success, but could add significantly to your personal and business enterprise value, just by actively participating in the process as a nominee. Make sure to contact your local business journal to share the info and your nomination with a staff writer. Then follow up should you be selected as the winner. Allow others to reap the rewards of nominating someone they believe in - through recognizing your achievements and what you have meant to them.
May 21, 2015
I understand they are 25 pages and it takes a long effort to do it (just seeing how heavy it is makes you tired already) However when you start writing the application I'm sure you'll realize is not that difficult. My suggestion, do it!
Why? the reason why is because it will definitely add as credibility and you can use that in your advantage to raise your profile and your businesses'. (call it do you own PR and Marketing)
May 21, 2015
Are you sure that it is legit? I get stuff like that all the time. Wanting my personal information and a small fee, a couple hundred or so.
May 21, 2015
Hi Walter, lol I get those too - so many scammers out there!! This is definitely real :) I have had a few phone calls with them already. I think that there will be a LOT of nominees in each of the categories but I think the general consensus here is "do it!" So I think I'm convinced. I don't want to come across as ungrateful as I am certainly not!! I feel very priviliged to be nominated at all.
May 21, 2015
Hi Anna,
Anything worthwhile does take time, and is worth the time investment. Awards always add credibility and trust.
Best regards
Debbie
May 21, 2015
Anna what a problem to have;) In business, the vision is never short term but long. This award or any award at all gives You leverage and credibility that never wanes. If You and another brand are going for the same project; and everything is equal but the 'award'; You will find that You have a distinct advantage.
This award, even the nomination automatically gives You certain prestige and bragging rights. Imagine the radio interviews, local television stations interviews , imagine the newspaper and magazine interviews. And for each of them , You are allowed to have a 'BIO' box. Imagine the hits to your website and other landing pages.
Anna I checked your LinkedIn profile, there is a spot for 'honor and awards' that could be nicely filled with this award :). Again, it adds credibility, prestige and 'credibility.
In my mind I can see an entire TedTalk or something similar like a weekend seminar where You give a workshop or seminar on the topic of 'what it means to have this visibility and how other entrepreneurs , brands and small businesses can jockey themselves into getting such an award.
Anna when You look back this is going to be a great achievement, take the time and fill out those pages. And pour the best of who You are into it.
I Am Wishing You Well,. Come back and let us know how it went.
Peace
Sincerely
May 21, 2015
Hi Anna,
Congratulations!!
You should apply and fill that 25 pages application. Getting nominated and become a winner of any award is a very big achievement for any business. It will increase your recognition among others and increase your B2B relations as well.
I would highly recommend you to apply. Good Luck!!
Thanks,
Daljeet Kaur
FATbit Technologies
May 21, 2015
Anna, I understand the journey off applying can be very rewarding regardless of whether you win or not. We too were nominated last year, however chose to invest our resources into other areas at the time. We felt if you are going to apply it needs to be a 20 out of 10 effort otherwise not at all. Try and speak to a few recent winners if you can. No doubt they can provide some tips on maximising your outcome. Good luck anyway!
May 20, 2015
Congratulations Anna. Yes, it is. Without sounding sexist or feminist...not my intention. It is worth for a women as much it is for a man. This might get you to a place where you could inspire others...So please do take time with some meditation to consider your gift. Enjoy your Celebrated Success !
May 20, 2015
Thanks Naziha and believe me, I am very excited and a bit "chuffed" to have been nominated in the first place! But not sure meditation will help me with this one!! The information pack alone is 25 pages long so the application is really extensive with financials, strategies and a number of questions about the story of the business. And with two little boys plus actually running my business I am just not sure I have the resources to do it But, I do like your comment about inspiring others so it has given me something to think about... Thanks again for the feedback :)
Thanks everyone. Am definitely going for it and am really getting through the application process well. James - what makes you think my business is male owned, lol?! :) I am the owner and Managing Director so am going into the Entrepreneur Section. Very exciting. Thanks again for all the feedback and encouragement.