This series originally debuted on AwardSync, but it’s too good not to share with my readers.

Introduction: Getting Strategic About Winning

We all know it.

Winning industry awards is powerful stuff. The recognition, the affirmation, the influence – it’s all invaluable:

–  helps win business/customers

–  boosts morale

–  attracts/retains talent

–  spotlights leaders/employees who make the company look great

But between you and the award is a major hurdle: the submission.

At first glance, many award submissions seem fairly easy and straightforward. And some of them are. Others are long, detailed and complicated. But what they all have in common is this: they will all be read. By judges. Who will be reading dozens of other submissions, too.

So, will yours stand out? For the right reasons?

Getting winning results requires winning submissions. Winning submissions require strategy, focus, skill, data, drama (I’ll explain) and the best writing talent you’ve got, not to mention, of course, a truly praiseworthy initiative/team/company. And did I mention strategy?

I mean, if you’re going to pay the fee and go to all the trouble, do it right, no? What does that entail?

I’ve put together a list of 7 Quick Tips on Winning Awards that I’m happy to share with one by one you over the next several posts (a very condensed version is on my Web site).

Here’s the line-up (the sum of which = strategy):

1.    Know who you’re talking to – #1 rule!

2.    Read the questions.

3.    Start early.

4.    Tell a good story. (this is where the drama comes in)

5.    Keep it simple.

6.    Be succinct.

7.    Use metrics wisely.

I won’t be unlocking any secrets of the universe (just yet), but I will be giving solid advice. And who couldn’t use more of that?

Stay tuned.

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