What an amazing night for singer Adele at the 54th Grammy Awards on Sunday. She picked up six awards, one from each category she was nominated in and performed her single “Rolling in the Deep” to a standing ovation. Singers, actors and celebrities love winning awards and they certainly know how to embrace it.

But guess what? Business awards are really important too. They might not be the Grammys but they still mean a lot and here’s why…

What do you think when you hear of a business or an entrepreneur who has won an award? Unless you’re very cynical, you probably think there’s something special about the recipient. They’ve been recognized for an achievement. They’ve stood out from all the others. If you know the name and nature of the award, and it’s very prestigious, then you’re probably doubly impressed.

Awards can make quite an impression on customers, prospects, potential business partners, investors and your entire network. They provide instant credibility! Credibility people will remember long after the award is presented.

Award influence has changed

Many media organisations and trade bodies have realised that there’s great revenue-generating potential in holding events and hosting awards. This means there are no shortages of opportunities for business leaders to earn awards at either a local or a national level.. Awards for financial excellence, for business growth, for innovation, for philanthropy. The list goes on and on. Somebody, somewhere, is giving out an award for something you do or something you are.

Awards are yet another opportunity that many small businesses simply don’t take seriously. They often think one of two things:

1. Who cares? Applying for awards takes too much time and what difference does it make? Is anyone paying attention?

2. We can’t possibly win an award. We’re not ____ enough. (Fill in the blank.)

Guess what. They’re wrong on both counts! People do care about awards, especially if you actually promote them. It’s a differentiator for you. It’s buzz. It sets you apart. And that’s especially the name of the game today—being set apart.

You’re the superstar!

Awards, as I’ve mentioned, are often bestowed at events. There’s a networking aspect to these events. The award winners are hot commodities. Everybody wants to get to know the winners! I know – I’ve been there.

It’s up to you to extend the influence of the awards beyond that single night and promote them through your network, social media and on your website. Everybody likes do to business with winners. Make sure they know you’re in that private club!

And you can win awards. There are so many of them. You just need to identify them, dedicate a bit of time, and follow through. Finding award opportunities is a good task for an intern or virtual assistant. Some of them, particularly the ones regarding financial success, are somewhat time intensive.

But when you look at the prestige and credibility these awards can bring your business, it’s time well spent!

Final point – even if you don’t win you can still take advantage. Usually, if you’re one of the shortlist, finalists or runners up, the organisers still let you use their logo – so you can leverage the awards in your marketing.

Note: You can vote for my book “The Botty Rules” to win a Small Business Book Award 2012 by clicking here. (Well, if you don’t ask…!)

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Filed under: Business Growth • Interesting Stuff • Social Media

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