Yes, this is a somewhat loaded question! You see, The Marketing Clan has recently been nominated as a Finalist in the Shoalhaven Business Awards. It’s something we’re all rather proud of. It also begs the question, how important are industry awards like this? From our perspective the answer is simple: very.
As a start-up business, being a Finalist is a big deal. Firstly, it provides independent recognition of the work we’ve been doing so far. But it’s also affirmation we’re on the right track towards reaching our goals. Like any new venture, we’ve had a few bumps in the road and a few sleepless nights, but we see the opportunities ahead both locally and beyond. It’s great to know others feel the same way.
The Shoalhaven Business Awards is the biggest event in the local business calendar. Each year it’s becoming a more recognised event that’s about a lot more than simply an excuse to get dressed up and drink bubbles.
Being recognised with a peer-awarded accolade can be an incredibly important aspect for any brand, business or individual – no matter what industry you operate in. When genuine endorsement or testimonials can be regarded as proof points for effectiveness, a third party recognition can be one of your strongest PR tools if used in the right way and with the right audience.
Don’t be fooled into thinking business awards are based on a popularity contest or nepotism. In actual fact, these awards are judged by a panel of independent volunteers from the wider business and education community. For this reason, if you decide to enter any awards, you need to jump in with both feet and make sure you give it everything you have – as much as you had for your original business start-up idea!
As for The Marketing Clan? We entered for two reasons. Firstly, it was an opportunity to take stock, think and reflect on what we’ve done so far on this rollercoaster ride. Secondly, we’re not ashamed to say that it’s a strategic tool for generating greater awareness for our business.
We’ve worked with many great local businesses already. But there are others who perhaps still don’t know what we do or haven’t yet seen the positive results we’ve helped to bring to our clients’ businesses. Whether it’s been helping in their strategic direction, brand or marketing communication activities, we’ve had a lot of fun doing what we do whilst also seeing success for our clients.
Regardless of whether your business gets shortlisted or not, or even goes on to win, the process of entering is still the same and it can be really important and enlightening journey.
We’re proud to be Finalists. In our minds we’ve already won just to get this far, so we congratulate all the other Finalists and wish them the best for the Awards event, whatever the outcome.
