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Get clued up on the criteria
The judges base their decisions on the criteria of each award. Read through the criteria before you start. If it says ‘please provide evidence to support your nomination’, beef up your entry with stats and specific examples of how a particular project or target was achieved.
Never assume, add the background info!
The more background information you can provide, the stronger your entry. If you’re talking about your location, don’t forget to mention how many customers are served a day. Talking about a contract? How much is the contract worth? What sector is your client in? How long have they been a client?
The judges are often from outside of our business so need all that extra detail to form a bigger picture of what you’re describing.
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Solid evidence is key!
The strongest entries will be packed with financial evidence, metrics and specific examples of real-life stories For example, if your chef launched a new menu, spill all the details! How was the food offer elevated? Did it increase sales? If so, by how much? Has your KP improved team morale? Share some anecdotes from the team. Always back up what you’re saying with the goods!
Tell the story, but keep to the point
Judges love it when they can connect with the nominee so don’t be afraid to be personal and give some background about their character – what motivates them? What are their work ambitions? However, we don’t need to know about their first babysitting job, or the name of their pet.
A longer entry does not improve your chances of being shortlisted, but judges will connect with the story if it links back to the entry criteria.
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Don’t forget your supporting evidence
Backing up your entry with some solid evidence will give it some serious oomph! Think testimonials from team members, clients, or customers. Don’t forget about presentations, videos, photos, or screenshots from social media – they’re all gold when it comes to backing up your claims.
Get digital!
If writing isn’t your strong point, get your camera phone out. Why not film ‘a day in the life’ or ask people to send in video testimonials. If you’re nominating a team, film some behind the scenes content. Don’t worry about creating the next Oscar winning film, if judges can connect your footage to the entry criteria, it could end up being the next People Awards winner!
Want to chat or get some more advice on entry writing? Email awards@baxterstorey.com