Business awards are not just shiny trophies that you can display in your office. They are also valuable opportunities to showcase your achievements, boost your reputation, and grow your business. And, if you’re a member of the Armed Forces community, the Soldiering On Awards is the one for you.
The business categories of the Soldiering On Awards – Start-Up, Scale-Up, and Community Impact – attract nominations from a huge variety or organisations. From small, one-person operations, to larger businesses, and social enterprises, at the heart of each nominee’s story is their connection to the wider military family.
It is in the telling of their stories that the Soldiering On Awards truly comes alive. The community is inspired and national recognition is given for individual and collective achievement. Perhaps most importantly, those who participate become part of something bigger than themselves, something truly special.
Additionally, the winners of the business categories have the opportunity to become Entrepreneurs in Residence at Anglia Ruskin University and share their experiences with the business-owners of tomorrow. Quite a feather in the cap!
So, why not nominate your business, or that of someone you know, for this year’s awards?
If the above isn’t motivation enough, check out these business-based reasons for entering the awards:
1. Free Marketing
One of the most obvious benefits of entering awards is that they can help you promote your business to new customers, partners, and investors. Just being shortlisted can improve your brand awareness and generate positive publicity. If you win, you can use the award logo on your website, social media, email signature, and other marketing materials to demonstrate your excellence and credibility. You can also leverage the media exposure and PR opportunities that come with winning an award to tell your story and reach a wider audience.
2. Benchmarking
Another benefit of entering awards is that they can help you evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement. The application process often requires you to provide evidence of your achievements, goals, and challenges, which can help you reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. You can also compare yourself to your competitors and learn from their best practices. By benchmarking yourself against the industry standards, you can gain insights into how to enhance your products, services, and processes.
3. Increased Credibility
Winning an award can also boost your reputation and trustworthiness in the eyes of your customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. It can act as a third-party endorsement that validates the quality and value of your business. It can also differentiate you from your rivals and give you a competitive edge in the market. By winning an award, you can show that you are an industry leader, an innovator, and a reliable partner.
4. Motivated Staff
Finally, entering awards can also benefit your internal culture and morale. It can show your appreciation and recognition for the hard work and dedication of your employees. It can also inspire them to strive for excellence and take pride in their work. By involving your staff in the application and celebration process, you can foster a sense of teamwork and loyalty. You can also use the award as a tool to attract and retain talent, as well as to enhance your employer brand.
So, what are you waiting for? Nominate a business for the 2024 Soldiering On Awards here:
