Why are executive and company awards important?

Everyone remembers the moment they received their first award. Whether for scoring the game-winning goal or making waves at work, recognition never gets old. It’s a feeling everyone loves! But what if I told you winning awards can boost your business goals?

What are the benefits of winning awards?

Winning an award is a fantastic way to boost your visibility and credibility with stakeholders. Industry and media accolades signal to potential customers, investors, and employees that you've been vetted and deemed exceptional. It's like having a trusted third-party shout from the rooftops: "You rock and are award-worthy!"

What types of awards are there?  

There are tons of awards out there, so it’s key to zero in on what you want to achieve. Here’s a guide to get you started:

• Want to boost your brand recognition? Seek out those big-ticket industry and media awards that shine a spotlight on entire companies, such as Inc.’s Best in Business. Winning these awards builds credibility, enhances visibility, and sets your brand apart from competitors in the eyes of customers and industry peers. Pro tip: Dig into the subcategories specific to your field; you might just find the perfect fit. For instance, at Delightful, instead of aiming for “Company of the Year,” we would pursue an accolade that better aligns with our strengths, such as “Marketing and Communications Agency of the Year.”

• Looking to establish yourself as a thought leader? Set your sights on awards that focus on individual achievements—think “40 Under 40,” or “CEO of the Year.” It’s your time to stand out as the go-to expert in your field. These accolades position you as a trusted authority, opening doors for speaking engagements, media opportunities, and career advancement. A great local example is Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, which highlights rising stars in the business community.  

• Trying to attract top talent? Go after local “Best Places to Work” awards. They’re often hosted by your city’s business journal. It’s a fantastic way to flaunt your positive culture and work environment. Being recognized as a top workplace boosts recruitment efforts, improves employee morale, and strengthens your employer brand. If you’re looking for a broader stage, consider Fortune’s workplace rankings, which highlight top employers across various industries.

• Hoping to showcase your new product? Target product-specific awards that recognize innovation within your industry, especially those featured in publications that speak directly to your ideal customers. These awards validate your product’s value, generate buzz, and increase trust among potential buyers and investors. A globally recognized example is the Product of the Year awards, which celebrate innovation and consumer satisfaction across multiple categories.

When you align your goals with the right awards, it ensures that your awards program delivers results that directly support your business objectives.

How do I create a successful award submission?

Our team knows the drill—winning awards isn’t just about being awesome (which you already are). It’s about proving it on paper. Whether we’re helping Fortune 500 execs snag Women in Technology awards or throwing our own hats in the ring, we’ve cracked the code. Below are our top tips to make your submission shine.  

• Tell a compelling story. Show the judges what makes your story stand out and why it matters in your industry.

• Include supporting materials. Back up your story with data, testimonials, and proof of success. Show them exactly why you deserve to win.

• Read each question carefully. Don’t rush! Make sure you understand every detail before answering so that you hit all the key points. You can even reach out to the award organizers if you have questions.

• Pay attention to word count versus character count. Word count and character count aren’t the same. Stick to the limits and keep your answers sharp and snappy.

• Learn from past feedback. Didn’t win last time? No worries, but use feedback from the judges to level up your next submission and nail it.

How do I amplify my award win?  

You’ve won the gold. Now it’s time to get the news out. Most awards programs offer a "winners kit" with logos, templates, and other materials to help you amplify your win. Start by sharing the exciting news with your team and let everyone feel the victory.

Once your team is as excited as you are, post it on social media, add the award logo to your website, or feature it in a blog or press release—any way you can to ensure your hard work gets the recognition it deserves.

And don’t forget to order a trophy to display proudly. It’s just the first of many more to come!

Don’t just admire the winners—be one of them. Contact us today to start your award journey!

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