If you’re looking to showcase your work on a client project to potential prospects, business awards can be an excellent vehicle to do so.
Many industry awards will give you an opportunity to examine a program of work or client project in detail. This article explores how to effectively spotlight this work into compelling award submissions.
Identifying award-worthy projects
The first step is to identify projects that align with award criteria. Not all projects are created equal when it comes to award submissions. Consider the following:
Impact: Did the project deliver significant results or benefits to the client, wider audience, economy or community?
Innovation: Did the project introduce new approaches, technologies, or strategies?
Collaboration: Did the project involve successful partnerships or teamwork?
Challenges overcome: Did the project successfully address complex or unique challenges?
Sustainability and community: Did the project contribute to environmental sustainability or support the community?
By carefully assessing your project portfolio through this lens, you can identify potential award contenders.
Extracting key results and insights
Once you’ve identified a promising project, the next step is to extract the key results and insights that will form the backbone of your award submission. This involves a meticulous analysis of project documentation, including:
Project briefs and objectives: These documents outline the initial goals and scope of the project.
Progress reports and updates: These provide a timeline of project activities and milestones.
Client feedback and testimonials: These offer invaluable insights into the project’s impact.
Data and analytics: Quantifiable data can bolster your submission and demonstrate the project’s success.
By carefully examining these materials, you can identify key metrics, success stories, and lessons learned that can be incorporated into your award submission.
Reframing the narrative for a new audience
While your project team may be intimately familiar with the project, award judges will require a clear and compelling narrative. This involves reframing the project story to resonate with the specific award criteria. Consider the following:
Align with award themes: Tailor your narrative to align with the award’s focus areas, whether it’s innovation, sustainability, or customer experience.
Highlight impact: Emphasise the project’s positive outcomes and benefits to the client and other stakeholders.
Showcase challenges overcome: Describe the obstacles encountered and how your team overcame them to achieve success.
Quantify results: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the project’s impact in a tangible way.
Leverage storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative that engages the reader and highlights the project’s significance.
By effectively reframing your project story for the award audience, you can increase your chances of success.
Seeking expert assistance
Developing a winning award submission requires time, expertise, and a deep understanding of award criteria. If you’re struggling to extract the maximum value from your existing client work or need support in crafting a compelling narrative, consider partnering with an awards submission agency like Green Door Co. We can help you identify award opportunities, develop compelling submissions, and increase your chances of winning. Reach out today!
By following these steps and potentially seeking expert assistance, you can transform your existing client work into award-winning success stories. Remember, every project has the potential to be recognised, and with careful planning and execution, you can unlock the full potential of your achievements.
