4 great reasons why your business wants to win an award

Awards season is in full swing! While many of us were glued to the online news sites on Monday, eagerly anticipating the winners lists and red carpet arrivals photo gallery from the 69^th Annual Golden Globes (me included!), we should also point out that there’s another prestigious awards ceremony that has just kicked off.

Now entering its 20^th year, the Telstra Business Awards celebrate and recognise the aspirations and successes of Australia’s small to medium businesses. And while you won’t be spotting the likes of George Clooney and Sandra Bullock on this red carpet, these recipients of these awards share in over $500,000 in prizes and receive a unique opportunity to catapult their business onto greater success. Far better than a statue trophy, if you ask me!

In 1996, MYOB was honoured to accept a Telstra Business Award, and we recognise how the achievement of winning contributed to our ongoing success. Today, we’re proud to sponsor the MYOB Small Business Award, which is open to any business with between 5 and 20 staff members.

So get ready to nominate ladies and gentlemen, because we’re very happy to announce that the 2012 Telstra Business Awards nominations are now open!

Prizes aside, there are some incredible benefits to just entering an awards program.

It’s a great opportunity to figure out your business goals…and how you’re going to reach them

While the entry process is comprehensive, it actually forces you to write down your vision, plans and strategy – something that unless prompted, many small business owners may neglect to do in any great detail. Any business advisor will tell you that having a clear, articulated plan and strategy document is essential for success. Simply by entering the Telstra Business Awards, you’ll receive a free, comprehensive Business Health Check report – invaluable to helping you shape your goals in 2012.

Networking at your fingertips

With many business owners going solo, or working with a small team, it can be difficult to find like-minded peers to share stories, advice and network with. The Telstra Business Awards gives you the opportunity to network with other entrants, attend industry events and meet key business figures. Get those business cards ready!

And that’s all before you’ve even been shortlisted! As a finalist, or even a winner, there are some incredible opportunities that will help your business on the road to success.

The power of PR

Awards finalists and winners have some incredible media and PR opportunities – from coverage in local papers through to profiling on the Telstra Business Awards website. You’ll even have the opportunity to share your story right here on The Pulse! Splashing your name around the internet does wonders to improve your search ranking (making it so much easier for people to find you online), and print coverage will boost your word of mouth promotion offline.

Bragging rights

Don’t forget to tell people about it! Being a Telstra Business Awards finalist or winner entitles you to a fancy pants logo that you can use on all your marketing collateral, ensuring that everyone knows about your success. With fairly stringent criteria, and fierce competition from some incredible Aussie businesses, the affiliation will provide fantastic kudos to your brand reputation and image.

And did I mention there was over $500,000 worth of prizes?! But if you’re still not sold, check out the stories from the 2011 finalists, and what being part of the awards has meant to them.

As business owners, we sometimes have the tendency to be a bit modest, or play down our successes. And one of the best parts of entering an awards program is that it forces you to focus on all your company’s successes, showing off what makes you great.

So get to it! For now, all you need to do is nominate, which takes just two minutes online anytime until February 6^th. And don’t forget to share the love! Nominate your suppliers, friends and industry contacts – anyone you think is doing a great job and deserves a ‘love your work’ shout out.

I can’t wait to meet the MYOB Small Business Award finalists soon!