You be the Judge

 

 

Is it time to start entering awards?


Putting yourself out there is always difficult. Feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy often set in as you contemplate the idea of applying for any award. Yes, traditions of tall poppy syndrome in our society have instilled the fear to be different in many of us. But awards are excellent for your business as they not only validate your achievements on a formal platform, recognition is a highly motivating element for you and your employees to do better in the future. However, getting a business award is easier said than done. If you think you might be ready, here are some steps to get you started:

- Research awards and find the best that fits for you
There are many types of business awards organized every year so get online and do some research. When you find an award you would like to win read about it carefully.
- Check out the award criteria
Before applying for any business award, you need to find out the various criteria. Does your business need to have a lifespan of five plus years? Do you need 30-50 employees? Do you need to be environmentally friendly? These are just a few criteria you may need to meet to be eligible.
- Apply
You need to be in it to win it.
- Follow the rules
Nominating for any business award, there will be certain rules and regulations to adhere to. Read these carefully before completing the entry for the award or you might do a whole lot of work for nothing.
- Follow up
Business awards are won by those who deserve and want them the most. Make it obvious that you want the award and appreciate its significance. Follow up professionally, but do not pester.
- Keep a copy
After applying for one business award, save a copy and use the document for applying for other awards in the future. It will make the process more efficient and save you time.
 
Dairy Woman of the Year 2013
Entries close: 16 December 2012
Description: The dairy industry is made up of people who make a difference every day to their business, their community and their industry. This award aims to recognise a woman who is making a significant contribution. The Dairy Women of the Year winner will be awarded a position on the prestigious Women in Leadership 12 month course, run by Global Women.
Website: www.dwn.co.nz/DWOTY
 
2013 Pacific Trust Business Awards
Entries close: 15 February 2013
Description: The eagerly awaited Pacific Business Awards return in March 2013, celebrating 20 years since the event first began. They acknowledge and celebrate positive Pacifica contributions to the New Zealand economy. They bring focus on the Pacific Business Trust that has assisted Pacific people into business for more than a quarter of a century.
Website: pacificbusiness.co.nz/ourwork/businessawards/2013pba
 
The Sustainable 60 Awards 2013
Entries close: August 2013
Description: The Sustainable 60 Awards set the standard for what it means to be truly sustainable. The comprehensive entry process allows you to tell a compelling story of sustainability and have it reviewed, measured and validated.
There are five award categories: Strategy and Governance, Workplace, Marketplace, Environment and Community. You can enter one, many, or all five categories.
Website: www.sustainable60.co.nz
 
Kea’s 2013 World Class NZ Awards
Entries close: September 2013
Brief description: The World Class New Zealand Awards is a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise initiative, which is delivered by Kea NZ. These awards recognise successful New Zealanders who have helped enhance the reputation of our country on the world stage by being truly world class.
Website: www.keanewzealand.com/global/make-nomination
 
2013 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards
Entries open: November 2013
Description: The awards showcase and support our passionate farmers of the future. The three competitions give entrants the chance to earn a regional or national title and to share in substantial regional and national prize pools.
Website: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz
 
CIO Awards 2013
Entries open: November 2013
Description: These awards acknowledge the CIOs of today. There are four categories; CIO of the Year, Emerging ICT Leader, Executive Team of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations open in November 2012, keep your eye out and get your entries in.
Website: www.cio.co.nz/cioawards
 
Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013
Description: The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is held in more than 140 cities and in more than 50 countries, including New Zealand. Each country winner is invited to participate in the World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards held in Monte Carlo each year in May/June.  There, each country winner is inducted into the World Entrepreneur of the Year Academy and the overall World Entrepreneur of the Year will be selected by an independent panel of judges. 
Website: www.ey.com/GL/en/About-us/Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneur-Of-The-Year/World-Entrepreneur-Of-The-Year---Overview
 
New Zealand International Business Awards
Description: There are few higher accolades for our country’s companies than the New Zealand International Business Awards. They recognise the innovative, the brave and the successful; those companies that have helped grow and transform the New Zealand economy with exceptional export success in international markets; companies that have created jobs, re-invested profits or developed new skills and technologies. Above all, those that have helped us achieve a shared ambition for a thriving New Zealand economy.
Website: www.nzte.govt.nz
 
Westpac Business Excellence Awards
Description: The Business Excellence Awards (BEAs) run throughout New Zealand and offer a range of different awards celebrating business excellence.
This year, Westpac is sponsoring 18 different BEA events across the country in association with the local Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) or the Economic Development Agency (EDA).
Website: www.bea2012.co.nz/how-do-they-work.php#
 
NZI National Sustainable Business Networks Awards 2013
Description: The NZI National SBN Awards now celebrate a decade of being the pre-eminent sustainability awards in New Zealand in 2013. The 12 categories include: Sustainable Business of the Year, Trailblazer Large, Medium and Small business, Trailblazer Non-profit, Emerging Large, Medium and Small business, Sustainable Design and Innovation, Social Innovation, Sustainability Champion (Individual), People’s Choice
Website: www.sustainableawards.org.nz
 
Her Businesswoman of the Year Awards
Description: The Her Businesswoman of the Year Awards celebrate outstanding female business acumen and leadership within the New Zealand SME industry. Past winners have included Cilla Hegarty of NZ Tax Refunds Ltd, Brigit Blair of Linden Leaves, Peri Drysdale of Snowy Peak Ltd and, the event's current organiser, Stretton Group CEO, Annah Stretton.
Categories for entry include: Her Businesswoman of the Year, Best New Business, Best Micro Business (1-5 employees), Best SME (Small to medium business 6+ employees), Most Inspirational Role Model, Most Outstanding Business Leader, Outstanding Business Citizenship, Most Sustainable Business
Website: www.hermagazine.co.nz