As a small-business owner, one of the most effective ways for you to stand out among the competition is to win a competition.
Many trade associations and professional organizations sponsor award competitions in various categories. Being named best in your field not only boosts morale, but it also builds prestige. When you are recognized for outstanding achievement, you gain credibility and visibility. The end-result: more business, greater opportunities.
Start searching for contests that are sponsored by organizations and associations, ones you belong to as well as those that are compatible with your field. Attend meetings and conferences, study the ”announcements” sections of professional journals for notices of upcoming contests, and get on mailing lists of professional and non-profit organizations.
Look for more contest listings in the following directories:
· The Encyclopedia of Associations, an annual reference guide published by Gale Research Company, which lists over 15,000 national, trade, professional and other associations. Many of these associations award small grants and run contests.
· Awards, Honors & Prizes, a directory of over 5,000 awards published by Gale Research Company.
If you’re wondering what to submit, take an objective look at your work. A qualifying entry may be a project you completed for a client or research your company completed. Study each contest’s submission criteria and see what you have that fits. If necessary, revise your work to conform to the contest requirements.
There’s seemingly a contest for everything, so the more ways you can categorize yourself and your work, the better your chance of qualifying to enter. Don’t be indiscriminate when applying, however. Contest sponsors may have an agenda, so make sure it doesn’t conflict with yours.
Treat your entry as you would any other marketing effort. Request an application well ahead of time, schedule time to prepare your submission, and mark the deadline on your marketing calendar.
Another way to gain prestige as well as seed money for a specific project is by winning a grant. Information about grant programs can be found in the following publications:
· “The Annual Register of Grant Support: a Directory of Funding,” published by Aris Funding
· “Foundation Grants to Individuals,” published annually by the
The application process for a grant is time-consuming, but the rewards are invaluable. Grant money not only gives you the financial boost to get a project off the ground, it lends immediate credibility to your idea.
To increase the odds of winning, target only the funders most likely to be receptive to your idea. Then, assemble everything you need to convince them you are a deserving recipient. Take a workshop in the grant-application process, which often are held by professional organizations and universities. Before enrolling, however, ask for names of former students to see whether they found the information helpful.
Ronald Gross, the author of The Independent Scholar’s Handbook (Addison-Wesley, 1982), recommends reading grant award announcements, contacting recipients about their experience with the application process, and talking with experts in your field about the state of funding. He also suggests honing your proposal by getting input from the people who would be most affected by your work. You may also want to contact your congressman or other public officials for letters of endorsement, application forms, and contacts with appropriate agencies.
Before submitting the application, line up references of people familiar with your current work as well endorsements from people or agencies that can attest to the need for your project. Finally, rework your resume to show that you are capable of carrying out your proposal.
When you win an award, whether it is grant money or a contest, spread the word. Mention it in your marketing materials, include it in your company newsletter, and write a press release to distribute to colleagues, clients, prospects and the media.
Above all, don’t be modest about your accomplishments. Everyone wants to do business with a winner.
