Michelle Calkins’ Post

Knowing how to go after important recognition awards and then leverage them can have a long-term impact on your business.Companies all across the country are doing great work that goes unnoticed. Why? There are many reasons. Some businesses don't like to brag about their accomplishments. #awards #businessawards #recognitionawards

Most weeks I try to take time to reflect- what’s going well, what’s not, and what to work on. A few weeks ago, I wrote in my Reflection Journal the word "Congratulations", and listed the highlights for the year, and here's the thing...   In just listing highlights off the top of my head, winning the Supreme Award for the David Business Awards came in at No. 11 (out of 12). I wasn't ranking the highlights in order of importance- just listing them as they came to mind (and I am certainly incredibly grateful (and to be honest, still shocked) at having won that accolade).   My point is this- in your position, in your business, in your life, there will have been highlights that are worth noting and reflecting on (and even celebrating). Awards aren’t a “thing” in and of themselves- they are recognition of a whole bunch of good “things”. No doubt many of the other David Awards Applicants have many, many aspects to their businesses that are worth recognizing and celebrating, whether they won an award or not.   It's great to stop and consider what’s gone well this year. It’s worth sharing that with family, co-workers, your team. The chapter of 2024 is about to open with a wave of new challenges (both seen and unforeseen), and once it does, the opportunity to stop and reflect on the “wins” of this year will be gone.   I encourage you to do this, especially if it’s been a tough year. Like you I’ve had challenges, and this exercise is not, in any way, a strategy to avoid tackling the tough issues, but it is a great platform from which to tackle them.   Well done on doing your best again this year.

Yes, you read that right. 👀 Now you can go from HOURS to MINUTES searching for awards. 🙌 Set your clients apart and find #businessawards 10x FASTER at GlobalHonors.biz. 🏆 #awardwinning #clientsuccess #businesstools #marketingstrategy

Should I enter the same award each year? Have you ever seen on a company’s website or in their sales materials that they won awards several years ago, but haven’t won an award since? It doesn’t leave the best impression and begs the question – has something happened since that time that has made the company less successful? While you may not need to enter the exact same awards every year (that will depend on the award and the likelihood of a repeat win), achieving some awards recognition each year is a great strategy to showcase consistent excellence over time. Learn more ➡️ greendoorco.com.au #awards #businessawards #success #consistency

Don’t trust the awards you see. Believe me, I know. I know of companies that got plenty of awards, only to burn down in flames a few months later. I know of companies that paid to get “that award”, just to display it on their website. So what should you trust? Nothing. Hope for the best and be miserable if you find the wrong partner. Just kidding. Ask these questions when vetting business partners: — Did they help somebody similar to me and my company? — What results do they achieve? — What’s their 90-day plan? Remember, awards are nothing if they are not backed up by a solid strategy tailored to your needs. Agreed?

I keep winning awards! I am constantly getting messages and emails about awards I am nominated for or have won. Most award shows have become a very false and paid for business. It's a pay to play business usually make no mistake. We all push this narrative of "award-winning".. If it's genuine, kudos. But typically it's just a money spinner. Buy x tables and x numbers of seats. And you'll magically win the award 😅 Most awards shows from my experience are usually created by businesses within that industry. Who are looking for revenue, clients, networking etc. Have you experienced this?

It's easier to attract customers when they believe you to be an expert in your field, and an award can really help with that. More reasons why awards are good for business here: https://bit.ly/30rb3rs #biztips

My monthly President's Message for June to OCWLA members is linked below!

Is my business ready to enter an award? If your business is kicking goals, experiencing growth, creating happy customers, engaging your people, giving back to the community or demonstrating innovation you may well be ready to win an award! In our experience, most businesses tend to underestimate how impressive their achievements are, rather than the other way around. Part of our value-add is to recommend which awards would be suitable to enter now and which might be better to enter down the track. We even advise you on potential areas to work on to improve your suitability for an award. We’ll never suggest you enter an award we don’t think you have a chance of winning. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g-NTDygi

We often get asked about our awards cabinet, which is stacked full of trophies won over the past few years. I couldn’t be more proud to display them to all our visitors, but not for the reason you might think.    We’ve won countless awards and partner accreditations at CAE Technology Services Limited over the years, recognising everything from our work innovating around sustainability with our partner Cisco, to promoting a positive and inclusive culture.    But these awards aren’t for bragging rights, they serve a different purpose altogether.    The value of awards primarily in two areas:   Firstly, by entering an award you go through a process of examining your performance and engaging the rest of the business to discuss your progress (or sometimes not!) in a particular area.    It takes a lot of effort to enter an award and I always learn something new each time we fill in an entry form.    Secondly, you cannot overstate the value of awards to the people in your business. When I see the look on colleagues’ faces when they have been recognised by their peers or the industry at large, it’s priceless.    I truly believe that celebrating success internally gives everyone a lift and generates pride for the company they work for.    Maybe it’s time to refresh the awards cabinet and put some of the old ones away - but they hold too many good memories and provide a reminder of the journey we have been on together.    What’s your take on the value of industry awards and partner accreditations?