How to Promote Yourself Or Your Company Through Award Competitions

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't receive some sort of announcement about an awards competition. We get so many, in fact, that I have created a special place on my website where you can learn about what opportunities are awaiting.

http://www.womeninpackaging.org/

With all the awards programs out there, how many of you incorporate that into your marketing plan? Yes, I know it's a lot of work but the benefits you reap outweigh the effort invested. What can an award do for you besides making you feel good? For a start it can lend instant credibility to your or your company. Just think about the words "award winner." Doesn't that sound important? Wouldn't you like to see that phrase beside your name? Awards make a good visual to. If you are given permission, use the award's logo or banner in your promotional material or on your website.

So, how do you utilize the award and promote yourself in your marketing plan?

First you have to make sure you let others know about the recognition. Announce your award to the media, clients, prospects and employees. Write a press release both before and after the competition. Even if you don't win you can showcase the competition in your material. Just making a commitment to submit is worthy of special notice. Receiving an award is a good way to get points from the boss. In fact even being a runner up or a nominee is fodder for self-promotion. For example, I received a full page promotion in a local magazine mailed to executives in Atlanta when I was a nominee for an award last year.

Second, don't set the award on the shelf. Use it to continually reinforce your success. Incorporate the award into your promotional material. You can add your award just like a certification to your business card and stationery too.

Third, use the competition's format a means for evaluation. Entering a competition can give you valuable independent feedback on your performance. Having an external judge review your efforts and provide feedback is worth the entry fee alone. Winning an award is an opportunity to prove to your customers and suppliers just how successful/creative you are. Remember this is an independent and prestigious endorsement of the quality of you and your company. It functions as well as testimonial

Finally, celebrate! Awards generate confidence and pride in employees throughout the company. Have a party to celebrate the accomplishment. You can use an award as a reason to hold a company event celebrating the accomplishment. Don't forget to invite customers and potential customers.

Awards can open doors - to new suppliers, customers, investors and partners. Enter a competition and see how quickly you end with another great promotional opportunity.

JoAnn Hines' specialty is PACKAGING PEOPLE.
Whether you want to be paid more, you just lost your job, or you want to progress in the one you have, Ms. Hines advice and expertise can help you transform your personal brand. She can show you how to package yourself and make your brand a hot commodity. It's easy once you know the ropes and begin to utilize her insider's secrets. She shows you step by step how to increase your visibility, credibility and marketability with easy to use tutorials and templates.

---

The Fine Art of Relationship Marketing

The buzzword these days is "relationship" marketing. Just what is... Read More

Brainstorming Techniques as New Product Development Strategies

When developing new products and strategies, coming up with unique... Read More

Marketing With Brochures

With the explosion of the internet and online businesses many... Read More

Slogans: Creating and Using Them In Life, Career and Business

Information is coming at us from all directions nowadays. This... Read More

Small Business Marketing; Abstract Philosophical Discussion

Our bodies work like our small businesses. They work best... Read More

How to Set Up & Organize Your Customer Mailing List For Optimum Results

Your list of customers who have previously bought from you... Read More

Why Pay for Online Press Release Distribution?

We've all heard that "free advice is worth what you... Read More

No One Gives A Damn About Your Business. Unless You Give em A Reason To

The good news is that there are thousands of people... Read More

Marketing For Profit - 6 Critical Traits

Develop These Six Critical Marketing Traits...And Success Will Surely Follow.If... Read More

Why Target the Matures

The "Matures" are the generations that came along between 1909... Read More

The Marketing Secret Every Child Knows

Little Kids Ask Until They Get What They Want.Mom, Mom,... Read More

Whats In It For Me?

Sometimes, one of the most difficult things to teach beginning... Read More

Winning At Business With Your Marketing Game Plan

Stuart from Colorado had talked to a number of marketing... Read More

Do You Have This Important Tool in Your Marketing Arsenal?

Many business owners do not understand the authenticity and validation... Read More

Marketing On The Cheap: Speak Out!

No matter what business you are in, you probably have... Read More

How To Recognize Your Niche Marketing Agenda

Starting a business, whether it's retail products or services, must... Read More

The Power of Thank You

Sometimes we loose site of the small things in life... Read More

Eleven Reasons Donors Stop Responding To Fundraising Letter Appeals

Donors will stop responding to your fundraising letter appeals for... Read More

How to Protect Yourself Against the Hidden Cost of Shipping to Trade Shows

Trade Shows are lots of work, but they can generate... Read More

Website Promotion Strategies For Targeted Web Site Traffic

If you're looking to drive more targeted traffic to your... Read More

Are You Playing Checkers or Chess?

When you think about how to attract more clients for... Read More

Boost Your Business With Testimonials

When used correctly, testimonials can boost your response dramatically. They... Read More

Five Deadly Small Business Marketing Mistakes

Here are some marketing mistakes that take a heavy toll... Read More

At the Speed of Light

How many times has someone you've called said, "Why don't... Read More

2 Step Marketing

Do it Right.I receive postcards all the time. The other... Read More

Your Elevator Speech ? Have You Updated Yours Recently?

Do you have an elevator speech? Does it get people's... Read More

Using Demographic Data For Your Direct Mail Marketing Campaign

Targeting high potential markets with a direct mail marketing campaign... Read More

The M-Word (Marketing) Phase 2

Last month we looked at what you need to do... Read More

Boost Profits: Market to the Gay Community

Research shows that the gay and lesbian market is worth... Read More

Effective Use of Promotional Products and Ad Specialties

1. Determine the goals of your promotional products program. Do... Read More

4 Easy Ways to Get Free Marketing Exposure

Are there really ways you can get valuable marketing exposure... Read More

After The Mailing Is Done, What Happens Next?

If you're doing any sort of marketing effort, whether it's... Read More

The Marketing Plan and the Four P?s

The Marketing Plan section of the business plan demonstrates how... Read More