Virtual Assistant Awards – Why Enter?

 

Virtual Assistant Awards – Why Enter?

 

Common Misconceptions To Entering Awards:

• Only big companies win awards.

• I can’t enter it into awards – what about confidential information?

• If I sponsor a category I’ll have a better chance.

• If I buy more seats at the awards dinner I’m more likely to win.

 

 

How To Choose Which Virtual Assistant Awards Would Work For You:

• Who do you want to impress?

  • • Clients (new and existing). Associates, Potential Employees?

    • Confidence boost?

• What sort of awards would add value?

• What are the best stories?

  • • Innovation, Customer Care, Growth, Green/CSR.

Choose Wisely

• Find opportunities: Search, forums, coaches.

 

 

Entering awards provides a reality check on your business performance. The process is just as significant than the prize.

 

Preparation is Key

Winning starts with writing an above-average award application.

• Comply: read and reread criteria.

• Timeline: Start early

• Research: previous winners / gather supporting material / client endorsement.

• Write Persuasively: Don’t waffle or use jargon.

• Format: Stand out from the crowd

• PROOFREAD

 

What Are Judges Looking For?

• Entry must stand out.

• Talk is cheap: Prove any claims you make about being the best, offering great service, value for money, being innovative etc.

• Be sure to answer all the questions the judges ask too, rather than just the ones that suit you to answer. Don’t copy.

• Be honest about what you are good at and how you can demonstrate this to the judges.

• You will be scored down if you don’t fulfill all the entry requirements.

 

 

How To Make The Most Of Being Shortlisted

• Start shouting as soon as you’ve been shortlisted (check with organiser when you can announce).

  • • Send out Press Releases to regional/trade press.

    • Post articles in client and employee newsletters.

    • Case Studies: Short for use in proposals / Mid-sized for marketing purposes.

    • Including award logos in all customer facing communications (e.g. email footer).

• The day of the awards – use social media to build excitement.

 

You Don’t Have To Win To Grin

There are still ways to make that application work to your advantage:

• Attend any associated award social events. Pack your hand bag with business cards and schmooze at presentation ceremonies, cocktail parties and sit-down dinners.

• Swap business cards with the organisers and winners… you never know what relationships you might develop.

• Learn from the winner and other finalists. Chat in person or look at their marketing materials and website to see what they do that you don’t.

• Awards selection criteria usually relate to core business, so revisit your business plan and fill any gaps.

• Ask for feedback.

 

 

CHECKLIST:

• Is your submission compliant?

• Have you addressed all of the evaluation criteria?

• Is your submission easy to read?

• Is your submission visually appealing?

• Evidence – can you provide hard metrics as proof?

• Any recycled content has been tailored for this award.

 

Have you got the WOW factor?

Think about your last year in business – what have you done that makes you stand out? Maximise this… and remember YOU’VE GOT TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT.

Good Luck!

 

Michelle Smith

valueaddvirtual.co.uk