Why isn’t your company winning awards?

8 reasons your award entries aren’t working

Entering and subsequently winning awards for your company is a definite morale booster for your employees, and there are many other benefits too. However, what if you are entering your company into various awards and you just aren’t winning?

There are a number of reasons your company may not be earning the recognition or awards you believe it deserves. We compiled a list of our top eight issues that may be impeding your company from winning awards.

Lack of community service.
Many companies get entrenched in the day-to-day tasks of their jobs and forget about corporate social responsibility. Giving back to your community strengthens your community; bonds employees who must work together on projects; and can provide a number of award entry opportunities.

Improper record keeping and tracking.
Locating data needed for entering an award is time consuming but crucial for winning. Many awards require 12 months of records for consideration. Be sure to have on hand information such as the number of people your company has hired and hours spent on corporate social responsibility.

Subpar writing.
Let’s face it, not everyone is a writer, and for those reading your award entry – it shows. Having a well-written entry that is free of spelling and punctuation errors is a key part of winning.

Procrastination.

Oftentimes companies wait until the last minute to draft, review and submit an award entry. To win an award takes time, which means getting started sooner rather than later. Some entries require various departments to collaborate with one another to see the entry to completion. Procrastination and trying to get a deadline extension are not ideal ways to submit an entry.

Lack of originality.
You may work for a pretty interesting company, but it’s probably safe to say that you do a lot of the same things other companies are doing. Ensure your company actually stands out from the crowd. When creating an entry, be mindful of your choice in words and use actual examples. Avoid overused terms like unique, industry leader and innovative.

Other companies are doing a better job.
It’s important to note that you can’t win all the awards you enter. You may find that another company is doing a better job preparing and entering in various awards and the judges notice too.

Not hiring a public relations firm.
Great PR professionals are drafting award-winning entries for their clients on a regular basis. They are also winning awards for themselves! PR firms are experts and they understand what it takes to win an award. Let a PR firm be your guide.

Not entering.
Some companies aren’t winning awards simply because they don’t understand the benefits, they think the process is too time consuming or they don’t know what award opportunities are out there. Don’t be left in the dust. Get some recognition for your company and boost your team’s morale.

Not winning an award is frustrating and leaves you feeling defeated. Know that you aren’t alone in the process. If you haven’t received a company award or want to win additional awards, Axia Public Relations can help. Axia uses its AwardAbility service to earn award recognition for its clients. Contact Axia today to get started collecting your own awards.

Marjorie Comer is an award-winning PR professional. She graduated from Rockhurst University with a Bachelor of Arts in communication and loves to cheer for her hometown Kansas City Royals. Marjorie has worked for Axia Public Relations since October 2011. Follow her on Twitter @Marjorie_Comer. Learn more about Marjorie Comer.