Why Your Competitors Keep Winning Awards (And How You Can Too)

If you've been scratching your head wondering why your rivals are racking up more accolades than a kid's soccer team, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of why your competitors might be leaving you in the dust when it comes to industry recognition—and how you can turn the tables.

They're Playing the Long Game (While You're Stuck in Short-Term Thinking)

Listen up, folks. Awards aren't just shiny paperweights for your office shelf. Your competitors get this, and they're thinking strategically. They're not just submitting entries willy-nilly; they're crafting compelling narratives that showcase their long-term impact.

Start thinking about your awards strategy like you would your marketing funnel. It's not about instant gratification; it's about building a consistent reputation over time. Document your wins, big and small. Keep a running tally of the lives you've changed, the innovations you've sparked, and the problems you've solved. When award season rolls around, you'll have a treasure trove of stories to tell.

💡Pro tip: Set up a shared document where team members can drop in noteworthy achievements throughout the year. It'll make your life easier when it's time to submit those entries.

They're Data Nerds (And Proud of It)

Let's face it—we're all swimming in data these days. But your award-winning competitors? They know that judges eat up cold, hard facts like I devour donuts on a cheat day.

It's time to channel your inner data scientist. Don't just tell the judges you "increased engagement." Hit 'em with "We boosted customer engagement by 237% in Q3, resulting in a 42% increase in overall satisfaction." See the difference? It's like comparing a kid's crayon drawing to a Picasso—both are nice, but one's clearly more impressive.

🎬 Action item: Buddy up with your product managers or marketing analytics team. Buy them coffee, bring them cookies—whatever it takes. They should have access to the right data and their insights are worth their weight in gold (or awards, in this case). 

They're Storytelling Superstars

Here's where the PR folks really shine. Your competitors aren't just rattling off accomplishments; they're weaving narratives that would make M. Night jealous. They know that a well-told story can turn a mundane achievement into an epic novel.

Which sounds better? "We implemented a new CRM system" or "We revolutionized our customer relationships, turning grumpy clients into raving fans"? The latter, right? That's the power of storytelling. Judges love a good story!

🍵 Your homework: Grab a coffee with your company's biggest personalities, you’ll find them everywhere but a lot in Sales and Field Operations. These are the folks with the juicy anecdotes that bring your achievements to life. Collect their stories like they are gold.

They're Masters of the Humble Brag

Ah, the art of the humble brag—a skill your competitors have honed to perfection. We have seen a lot of it over the years. They know how to tout their accomplishments without sounding like that guy at the party who won't stop talking about his CrossFit routine.

The key is balance. Show off your wins, absolutely, but always tie them back to the impact on your clients, community, employees, or industry. It's not "We're the best thing since sliced bread." It's "We're honored that our innovations have helped small businesses thrive in a challenging economy."

Your Action Plan Recap

Here's your new plan:

1. Start documenting your wins today. Not tomorrow, not next week. Today.
2. Befriend your data team. They're the unsung heroes who'll make your entries sing.
3. Collect stories like they're going out of style. They're the secret sauce of award-winning entries.
4. Perfect your humble brag. It's an art form, and you're about to become Picasso.

Remember, awards aren't just about bragging rights (though let's be honest, those are nice too). They're about showcasing your hard work, attracting top talent, and proving to clients that you're the cream of the crop.

Photo by RUN 4 FFWPU: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-running-on-black-asphalt-road-1555354/