Your guide to making the most of being shortlisted for an award.
So, you've been shortlisted for an award 🥳.
First of all, pop that bubbly and give yourself a massive pat on the back because you, my friend, have just nailed a significant milestone 🍾
But don’t hang up your party hat just yet; being shortlisted is more than a step towards potentially winning.
This is an opportunity-packed stage of awards entries, HUGE potential.
Once you make that coveted shortlist this is how you can maximize every ounce of this experience. Whether you take home the top prize or not.
Share the love 💕 Celebrate and announce your shortlisting- infact shout it from the roof tops!
Announce your shortlisting on your social media, website, and newsletters. This isn't just about tooting your own horn (although I say toot away) It's about signaling to your clients, peers, and competitors that your business is tip top.
Use the official award logos and hashtags to increase visibility and share your genuine excitement. This will boost your credibility and start to set you apart in your industry.
Leverage this for your marketing and PR 📣
Being shortlisted is a PR goldmine. Prepare a press release or a blog post about your nomination. Outline what the award is for and how it aligns with your business values and achievements. Get in touch with local newspapers, industry publications, and even blogs that cover your sector.
Contact podcast hosts and see who is interested in sharing your story further.
Remember, the story here is not just that you’ve been shortlisted, it’s why you’ve been shorlisted. Same as with your entry- really focus on… What makes your business stand out ✨How this recognition reflects on your hard work and dedication ✨
Engage Engage Enagage… With the Community, potential clients and more.
Most awards have a gala or an announcement event.
Use this as a networking opportunity. Connect with fellow nominees, judges, and industry influencers.
Being shortlisted often gives you access to exclusive groups and discussions-jump in with both feet lovely.
Share your experiences, ask questions, and be active. You never know where these new connections might lead.
Prepare like a winner. If the shortlisting leads to an event, make sure you’re prepared. Know who will attend, what you will wear, what you will say, and who upi need to meet.
Think of this as your mini Oscars night; every interaction should leave a stellar impression, further enhancing your reputation. Really ride this one.
Plan beyond the party.
Win or lose, the journey doesn’t end on awards night.
Plan how you will use this experience going forward.
Develop follow-up communications tailored to different outcomes (winning or not winning).
Continue to use the shortlist status in your marketing materials.
Being shortlisted can be a testament to your company's quality and consistency, elements that clients and partners greatly value.
Reflect
As always, use this experience as a learning tool.
◽ What worked well in your application?
◽ What feedback did you receive?
◽ How can you improve further?
Each nomination cycle offers invaluable insights that can refine your approach, not just for future awards but for your business strategies overall.
Being shortlisted isn’t just a stepping stone to winning.
It’s a major achievement and a great platform for building your brand, expanding your network, and your reputation in the industry.
While you (of course) hope for a win don’t make that your only focus and miss out on all the opportunities I’ve listed here.
Embrace every moment, leverage every opportunity, and keep shining.
Because as a woman in business, visibility and recognition are powerful tools, and being shortlisted means you earn a great deal of both.
I’m just a call or click away to help you strategise your next big steps.
We will make this shortlist just the beginning of your success story.
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