Ever wondered how a product gets to be awarded ‘the world’s best’? It’s not a level playing field – yes, each product has an equal chance of winning. But not every product is going to enter, and the common mistake we all make is focusing on competition that isn’t even there.

Most businesses aren’t doing anything to win awards, so they’re not competing with you. They are run by business owners who too busy honing their sales techniques or getting to grip with their finances.

Often the business that wins an award is simply, the one that found the time to enter.

I’ve seen this from both sides – I’m experienced in writing award entries (with my help Mearns & Company was awarded the Gold Standard for Independent Financial Advice) and running award schemes.

As a regional organiser of the Deloitte Fast 50 technology awards, I remember noticing companies who hadn’t entered. They were focused on growing their business, but that meant missing out on the industry recognition and customer interest that comes with winning an award. What seems like a flaff, a distraction from the day-to-day running of a business can have a lasting effect on your bottom line.

Time is precious, and it does fly, which is why you need to switch from focusing on the short term to the long term. That might mean boosting your marketing team by bringing in a writer to prepare amazing award entries.

Remember, you have to be in it to win it. Unlike the National Lottery, the odds are better than you think – provided you have me on your side.

Running out of time to get your award entry in? Get in touch.