There are many solid business reasons to enter awards. You’ve probably aware of the obvious ones – good for business credibility, a tool to stand out from the competition, a boost for team morale and to create excellent public relations opportunities, writes Tracy Tully.

But given most entries will not take home a trophy or medal, why would you, with one hundred things to do in a week, take time out of your busy schedule to put your business or self up for an award?

Because … the awards process has many serendipities that are not often written or talked about. These serendipities are the little bonuses that come from putting yourself out there; backing you and your business.

Here are five reasons to enter awards

The feel-good factor of an award

Many never take the time to reflect on their achievements. When you are in a small business, it’s like life in the fast lane; there’s always something to do.  Finding the time to stop and smell the roses is a luxury. However, when you enter an award, you have to look back over your business to review your achievements. As you read back over the list, you realise the impact you’ve had in your space. You feel proud and accomplished, this releases the feel-good chemical dopamine. Never underestimate the power of reflection, as a business tool and as a way to feel good about what you do.

Award  winners are grinners

Even if you don’t get the trophy or medal, there’s something special about knowing you took the time to create a submission and put your business out there to be assessed and judged. You should feel good about this. So many people had the same opportunity as you and chose not to have a go. Winning is not always about standing on the stage; it is about putting in the effort and being prepared to dig deep into your business.

Your cheer squad will champion you

Think back to all the social media posts of colleagues and business owners who share their successes. One thing all these posts have in common is the love and support people’s connections shower on them; there’s so much positive energy in sharing your wins publicly. People love to support those who are willing to step out from the crowd and back themselves. It is a big thing to enter an award, and your followers know this.

It is not all about you

In the minds of those following your journey, every win and story along the way inspires them to bigger and better things. You may never know the impact your journey has on someone else. So many are shoulda, coulda, and woulda people – they want the accolades, but are not quite ready to enter an award. By sharing your journey, you encourage others to enter.

Fall back in love with your business

When you take the time to look over your business, to review your successes, it is a good reminder of why you started, the skills you have learned, the people you have helped, the impact on your industry and how far you have come. As you write your submission, reflect on all you have done. You will find it hard not to feel love for what you have created especially if you are feeling ambivalent about your business. Reflection is good for the soul, and for reinvigorating your business.

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