Top tips to help make your awards entry the ‘winner’
THE Stoke-on-trent Businesslive Awards in association with The Sentinel and Stokeontrentlive are back for 2022 and officially open for entries.
The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the great and good of the business world and highlight their biggest successes and achievements from the past 12 months.
Every year the awards attract submissions from a wide range of businesses from across the region – including start-ups, growing SMES and major employers.
But what makes a winning entry a winning entry?
We’ve put together seven top tips on how to make your submission stand out.
1) DON’T LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE
We are all guilty of it. Work and life often get in the way and it’s easy to let time run away with you, but it’s really important to give yourself plenty of time to complete your entry form.
2) CONSIDER THE CATEGORIES CAREFULLY
There are 14 awards up for grabs this year, including the new Diversity and Inclusion category, so you might find yourself spoilt for choice.
But take the time to read each category carefully – and play to your strengths.
You are more than welcome to enter multiple categories, but make sure you tailor each application form to each award, do not just copy and paste!
3)ANSWER THE QUESTION
It’s understandable that you want to list every single thing you’ve done this year, and it’s easy to get carried away.
But make sure you read the question – and answer it. Try not to go off on a tangent. Re-read the category criteria and make sure you grasp what the judges are looking for.
4)DETAIL
This is your one chance to tell the judges why you should win, so don’t be shy.
Include as much detail as you possibly can. If you’ve increased turnover this year, include the figures. If you’ve taken on staff, say how many. The judges need to see that you can back up what you’re saying. You can make use of hyperlinks or attachments if it helps.
5)DON’T BE MODEST
While we don’t want individuals or companies to exaggerate their success, we don’t want them to be afraid to be bold about their achievements.
6)DON’T OVERWRITE
The judges are looking for quality, not quantity. Ensure you include all the important details but be succinct.
7) TRIPLE CHECK BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
Give your entry a really good read over before you press send because there’s no going back.
It might sound obvious but make sure all your spelling and grammar is correct and read it aloud.
You could even get a colleague to look over your application just to make sure.
For more information on how to apply for the Stokeon-trent Businesslive
2022 awards, visit www. stokeontrentlivebusinessawards. co.uk
The deadline for entries is Monday, January 10.