The problem is, when I see OTHER people and businesses winning awards or making shortlists, I don’t see them really leveraging the opportunity. So, in the spirit of transparency, here is what I will be doing.
If you think about it, I’m already doing it now with this piece.
1. Announce that I have made the Top 50 and indeed the final 5. Blog, social media and newsletter. I have also let some choice media contacts know, including of course this magazine. That isn’t to jump the gun, rather, it has two motives – to flag it as a POTENTIAL story and get it on the radar should I win and also to flush out any other opportunities they may need for comment in the lead up and aftermath of the event.
2. Plan and write a direct mail campaign which will dovetail with a lead magnet – basically a FREE download – on how and why you should enter awards using myself and other clients as the case studies. Watch this space for that.
3. Be ready to share the day and the evening of the awards on social media, joining in the chat to explore potential joint ventures and forge new alliances with like-minded business owners.
4. Ensure I get a photo at the awards, win or not, so that I can leverage the opportunity on getting back to the office.
5. Should I WIN, release the story to the press and across all social media channels. Seek to position myself further as an expert in my field.
This is by no means an exhaustive account of my media and marketing machinations but I wanted to show you what can be done at a MINIMUM so that when you are next up for an award, you can make the most of it.
Who knows if I will win, it is a lonnnnngggg shot but I thank you for your support so far. Here’s to next week.
ends