There isn't a day that goes by that I don't receive some sort of announcement about an awards competition. We get so many, in fact, that I have created a special place on my website where you can learn about what opportunities are awaiting.

http://www.womeninpackaging.org/

With all the awards programs out there, how many of you incorporate that into your marketing plan? Yes, I know its a lot of work but the benefits you reap outweigh the effort invested. What can an award do for you besides making you feel good? For a start it can lend instant credibility to your or your company. Just think about the words "award winner." Doesn't that sound important? Wouldn't you like to see that phrase beside your name? Awards make a good visual to. If you are given permission, use the awards logo or banner in your promotional material or on your website.

So, how do you utilize the award and promote yourself in your marketing plan?

First you have to make sure you let others know about the recognition. Announce your award to the media, clients, prospects and employees. Write a press release both before and after the competition. Even if you don't win you can showcase the competition in your material. Just making a commitment to submit is worthy of special notice. Receiving an award is a good way to get points from the boss. In fact even being a runner up or a nominee is fodder for self-promotion. For example, I received a full page promotion in a local magazine mailed to executives in Atlanta when I was a nominee for an award last year.

Second, dont set the award on the shelf. Use it to continually reinforce your success. Incorporate the award into your promotional material. You can add your award just like a certification to your business card and stationery too.

Third, use the competitions format a means for evaluation. Entering a competition can give you valuable independent feedback on your performance. Having an external judge review your efforts and provide feedback is worth the entry fee alone. Winning an award is an opportunity to prove to your customers and suppliers just how successful/creative you are. Remember this is an independent and prestigious endorsement of the quality of you and your company. It functions as well as testimonial

Finally, celebrate! Awards generate confidence and pride in employees throughout the company. Have a party to celebrate the accomplishment. You can use an award as a reason to hold a company event celebrating the accomplishment. Don't forget to invite customers and potential customers.

Awards can open doors - to new suppliers, customers, investors and partners. Enter a competition and see how quickly you end with another great promotional opportunity.

JoAnn Hines

JoAnn Hines is a packaging diva. She has nearly 30 years of experience in the industry including her work as the packaging expert to the U.S. Small Business Administration and traveling to China to lead a packaging delegation. Recognizing her expertise NBC TV featured her on their consumer segment, Can you open it? Her advice and articles appear in virtually every US packaging industry publication, numerous business and international publications, and website portals including "PackExpo.com", "PackagingUniversity", "Packaging Business", "Packaging Network", "Packaging Horizons Magazine," "Packaging World," "Packaging Digest," "Shipping and Distribution Magazine," "Warehouse Management," "Traffic World". As a featured keynote speaker at trade shows and conferences, she educates thousands of people around the world about intricacies of packaging.

Joining the packaging industry in 1976, Hines worked in sales for several years and began consulting during the 1980s. She is an accomplished author, speaker, publisher, marketer, and e-commerce expert. She has won numerous leadership awards and among other honors was named "One of the 50 most influential packaging leaders in the 20th century." She is the founder of Women in Packaging, Packaging Horizons Magazine, Packaging Career Hotline, Packaging Coach and Packaging University.